native american rugs history

Any combination and amount of colors may be used. They can be commerciallyor vegetal dyed and contain different numbers of Yei figures. Sometimes thesefigures are surrounded by the guardian rainbow Yei symbol. The Yeibichai rug is a depiction of ceremonies in which human dancers (usually 6) impersonate Yeis (the holy people). These dancers will usually be in profile with one leg bent as if dancing. They can be men or the men alternate with women. In these rugs, you may find a medicine man administering to a patient. Other figures may also be included such as a clown and a lead dancer.

After being at war with white settlers as well as other Native tribes the Navajo honed a skill which allowed them to make blankets. The Navajo are very well-known for their weaving skills. PBS reported that they learned how to make wool and herd sheep in the 17th Century from Spanish immigrants. In the late 17th-century, they had learned from the Pueblo intricate weaving methods. The Navajo mastered weaving techniques and produced blankets of such high quality they could actually hold water. They could be used both as blankets as well as coats. Navajo blankets are a valued item because of their durability and versatility as well as their decorative patterns. The blankets became more expensive. The blankets were appreciated by those who had the resources, such as tribal chiefs.

Zapotec and Mexican knock-offs are known for their wide end borders. End cords are often added after the rug is woven. The adjacent cut warp ends will be buried together with the warp ends, as previously described. It is important to note that many knockoffs, regardless if they are of the same origin, copy designs straight from books. The Zapotec are the most prolific producers of fake Navajo rugs. Teotitlan de Valle, where Zapotec rugs are made, has a large industry dedicated to producing fakes and knockoffs. They create the most convincing fakes and make the highest number.