They knew the importance of beautiful, eye-catching design. They often added their personal touches to the overall rug design. Sometimes the personal touch can take the form of a symbol. Typically, lightning bolts are seen along with sun rays. All these symbols have a significance, which indicates what the weaver was thinking at the time they began to weave the rug. It is one of the special things about these rugs. Navajo rugs tend to be more expensive than other rugs. The Navajo rugs cost more because of their outstanding craftsmanship and history. It will not be easy to compare a Navajo Navajo rugs with something made in a modern factory. If you are considering a Navajo rugs you should know that it is a work of art with a rich past and is of exceptional quality.
Motifs probably derived from oriental rugs include repeated hook shapes (often called “latch hooks”), the “waterbug” shaped like an “X” with a bar through the middle, the “airplane” or T-shape with rounded ends and, in a small number of weavings, rosettes. An even more lasting and fundamental influence was the concept of a large central motif in one, two or three parts that covers almost all of the ground between the borders. 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.
During the last two decades of the 19th century, most Navajo blankets were woven of spongy, loosely spun yarns most frequently dyed with aniline reds, oranges and yellows.
native american rugs in scottsdaleFinally, you will see a Zapotec rugs at the right. You can see the fringe at bottom. This is the rug most often confused for a Navajo weaving. The yarns used in these rugs are often hand spun, hand-dyed, and require a lot skill. The colors are not Navajo and the pattern is smaller than what you would see in a typical Navajo piece. I offer a $20-50 per-item identification service if you require assistance in identifying a textile. Click here to send me information regarding the textile you're interested in. The Eyedazzler would be the name that the weaver would have used. There might also be some who call it an eyedazzler.
Chinle Revival rugs typically feature bands of repeating geometric motifs alternated with plain or striped bands of contrasting colors. Common colors for Chinle rugs include yellow, gold, brown, tan, terra cotta, soft pink and other earth tones, as well as natural wool colors ranging from white to black. About the time of World War II, Crystal-area weavers developed their own banded revival rugs bearing no resemblance to Moore’s early designs. Generally known as Modern Crystal rugs, these borderless patterns often combine vegetal and aniline colors in shades of brown, yellow, and terra cotta with natural greys and whites. This is accomplished by alternating weft threads of two contrasting colors and tightly “battening” or packing them together, giving the effect of a thin, undulating line.
These rugs frequently had a deep red “ground” or field on which the central motif was superimposed, and are now known as the Ganado regional style. Weavers around the nearby trading post at Klagetoh, Arizona (also owned by Hubbell) often worked in the same colors and patterns, but reversed the color scheme and used a grey ground with red, white and black central motifs. The Ganado and Klagetoh style rugs continue to be made to this day and are among the most popular of all Navajo rug designs. J.B. Moore, who owned the trading post at Crystal, New Mexico from 1897-1911, was another visionary trader who exercised enormous influence over early Navajo rug design.
Navajo saddle blankets, a unique form of Navajo weaving, are a rare form. Medicine Man Gallery owner Dr. J. Mark Sublette discusses the amazing Navajo blankets featured in the gallery's 2009 exhibit. The topics include form, style, and appeal to collectors. Whether you are looking to purchase a rug for your home, or just curious about its value, an appraisal is a must. Appraisers are familiar with Navajo rug values and have the ability to value them from the beginning to the end. When selling a Navajo rug, there are three options: a professional retailer or a museum. You can also sell it online via sites like eBay. Potential buyers will be more interested in professional appraisals that include a certificate proving authenticity. Appraisers who are certified attend state conventions. They also have a wide network of clients.