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The storm pattern’s precise origin is uncertain-one story suggests it was developed by a trader on the western side of the Reservation-but the weavers at Crystal developed this concept into one of the most popular and lasting of all Navajo rug patterns. Not far from Crystal was the Two Grey Hills trading post, known for weavings in which no dyes were used. Instead, weavers carefully combed and spun different natural colors of yarn to yield a beautiful range of creamy whites, tans, browns, and greys. (To get a solid black color, weavers sometimes would overdye dark brown wool with black dye.) The weavers around Two Grey Hills developed very complex geometric patterns, usually based on a large, hooked central diamond with multiple geometric borders.

The beauty of Navajo textiles is the simplicity with which they were created by the weavers. The looms are easy to erect, and can often be found under a tree trunk. The patterns were and still are plotted in the weaver’s head. It takes artistic ability and multidimensional thinking to create harmonious designs. All Navajo weavings have a meticulous, manual approach to artisanship. As is the case today, the weaver raised the sheep with his family; taking care of the flock was a family job. Early Navajo weavings were made with special wool from Churro sheep breed, known for its silky fibers. Later, as the Navajo started making rugs, other sheep types were added to their flocks.

southwestern area western style rugs

southwestern area western style rugs

Even the concept of the border itself, usually in two or three layers with at least one in a geometric pattern, is probably traceable to oriental carpet design. Though introduced in the regional around Crystal, these motifs and ideas quickly spread to other areas of the Reservation and are found on many rugs woven throughout the past century. Designs his weavers developed before 1911 were still being made, virtually unchanged, as late as the 1950s. These oriental-influenced patterns are now known as Early Crystal rugs.

outdoor native american rugs
outdoor native american rugs

Getting a Navajo rug may seem daunting, but the process is actually easy. Several online retailers have online galleries featuring Navajo rugs. If you’d like to view them in person, you’ll have to visit a store in Navajo country. You’ll need a reservation, which means you’ll need to make sure that you can visit Navajo homes.

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native american authentic rugs

These are small, loosely woven, pictorial mats meant for the tourist trade and woven in Gallup, New Mexico. They were small, inexpensive and easy to transport, making them popular souvenirs for visits to the Navajo Nation. Gentle scrubbing continues. Note the wringer in the background-the next step in the washing process after rinsing. After thorough rinsing, the rug is sent slowly and carefully through the wringer to take out as much of the water as possible before being hung on racks in the drying room. Learn all about antique Native American Art while having fun! Joining Red Mesa Gallery News gets you your Navajo Rug checklist, monthly updates, offers and promotions re all things antique native american art. Quit anytime!

native american authentic rugs

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, please let us know within 3 days from when you placed your order.
As soon as your order ships, you will receive an email with tracking info and then following emails with shipping updates.
We accept all major credit or debit cards. You can also pay with your PayPal account.
Just send us an email with your order number and we’ll send you instructions.  We will give you a full refund within the first 60 days after your order ships out.  After that, we have to charge a 25% restocking fee. You are responsible for return shipping fees unless you are swapping for a different design or size.
Yes! We can ship anywhere in the world. Please send us an email with your address before placing an order outside of the US and Canada though. We need to partially charge you for shipping when you place your order.
All of our rugs are made to order and go through a rigorous inspection process. You can typically expect your rug to be shipped 2 weeks from when you make your purchase.
We find rug pads are not necessary to protect your flooring. However, some people choose to use rug pads to prevent their rug from sliding around.