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They also were known for very finely spun wool of small diameter which they used to make very thin, dense, and tightly woven rugs that are certainly the greatest technical achievements in the history of Navajo rug making. Many of the women who weave for nearby Taodlena Trading Post carry on this tradition of quality. The most finely woven rugs are often called tapestry rugs. Beginning in the 1920s, weavers and traders developed several new regional styles based on a revival of early banded patterns and the predominant use of vegetal dyes. The impetus behind this trend came primarily from Anglo collectors, traders, and government agencies that had a sincere desire to upgrade the quality of Navajo weaving and return to traditional, pre-rug patterns.

All Navajo weavings require meticulous, manual craftsmanship in terms of artisanship. The weaver was part of a family that raised the sheep. It is a common practice today. Early Navajo weavings used special wool from the Churro sheep variety, which is known for its silky fibers and long life span. Later, the Navajo began to make rugs from other types of sheep. After the sheep have been sheared, the wool is washed, carded and spun by hand. Even today, Navajo weaver still use spinning wheels. Instead of stretching the wool and twisting it onto a spindle manually, they do so by hand. The blanket is then woven on the unique Navajo loom. The weaving of authentic Navajo rugs is a labour-intensive task. The weavers must not only raise the sheep, but also spin the wool. A large rug can be woven in a year.

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These categories are made depending on the difference in designs. Among them, the Ganado and Klagetoh have more simple designs than the other two categories. The Navajo weavers thought of four colors that portrayed their spirituality and culture on the rugs. Those colors are: white, black, yellow and blue. These colors acted as symbolizing elements for representing their tribe through the rugs. An authentic Navajo rug will cost you more than a thousand bucks. But you can invest your money in them if you are an art lover and want to decorate your house with the most unique rugs. These rugs go well with modern interiors, and they also have high durability to last for several years, undoubtedly. The Navajo rugs are undoubtedly one of the most artistic pieces of rugs you will ever find. Though some changes occurred in the designs and weaving methods of these rugs, they have maintained their authenticity and quality. Hopefully, this article has made all the facts clear about why are Navajo Rugs so expensive. Despite being a bit pricey, you can surely consider having one of these rugs as a symbol of ancient American heritage and culture.

american area rug

american area rug

The top with the banded rugs doesn't necessarily fit in with any regional style. Some people might call it a saddle blanket or chief blanket design. The one at the top is woven out of a book called Working with the Wool by Noel Bennett. Noel lived near Gallup, when you lived close to Church Rock. I believe she taught weaving at Gallup's library on Thursday nights. It doesn’t meet any regional criteria. This is a banded area rug. I think it is best called a Chinle and an Eyedazzler. Our family lived in Church Rock during the late 70s. My parents bought a few rugs, from a trading point near what is now called "Legacy Park" and from a Navajo weaver family. They also lived in a Navajo hagon and raised sheep. I can recall the mutton stew with fry bread. I don't know their names. I'd appreciate your assistance if they can be identified as they have been passed on to me.

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After World War II, however, more weavers began making pictorial weavings, frequently filling a small rug with a single scene. Types that have been especially popular since the 1970s include landscape scenes which usually feature red cliffs or mountains, blue sky and clouds, juniper and pine trees, hogans, farm animals, trucks, and people. Another common format is called the “Tree of Life” pattern, consisting of a corn stalk rising from a Navajo wedding basket, with birds adorning the leaves of the cornstalk. Despite the obvious symbolism of patterns such as the “Tree of Life,” most pictorial motifs had no specific religious meaning; they simply were objects common in the culture or of special interest to the weaver.

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With them being highly popular today, there are plenty to choose from, no matter what your budget. Enjoy these unique and highly-prized rugs just as others have over the course of their 500-year existence. If there is a bundle of warps at the edge of each side, then it is unlikely that the rug is genuine. Very few Navajo rugs will have such bundles and even then there would be only two or three warp threads that would make up that bundle and there would be only a single warp thread next to that bundle. Most Navajo rugs have side cords as I described and virtually no Navajo rugs have warp thread fringe at both ends.

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Today's Navajo weavers are decreasing in number. Many young weavers aren't learning this traditional Navajo weaving technique, which is a difficult and tedious art form. Navajo Rugs are a way to encourage younger Navajos to learn how to weave and to keep the traditional Navajo Rug tradition alive. The Navajo Churro Navajo Collection Rugs, contemporary Navajo rugs, are commissioned from the top Navajo Master Weavers. The weaving adds value with the native Churro sheaf wool, the hand dying process and dyes (natural or aniline). Every weaving comes with a Churro Certificate - a photo of a weaver and detailed information about Navajo rug.

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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.