Navajo rugs have been made for nearly 500 years, but they have recently made their way into homes all over the world. What makes these rugs so unique and sought after? This guide will go over the history of Navajo rugs, the vibrant designs, where to buy them, and how to care for them. 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.
These rugs do not have a border on them. They feature horizontal bands and are made using natural vegetable dyes. The stripes also usually include added design elements, including arrows, stars, triangles, and diamonds. Named after a Navajo settlement in northeastern Arizona, this rug design features a wide border, along with intricate geometric patterns. The colors are vibrant in Teec Nos Pos rugs and display feather and arrow designs within the center of them. This rug design comes from a trading post called Two Grey Hills. They are high-quality and have intricate patterns. The rugs are made using natural wool that is undyed. There are “spirit lines” that act as accents around the borders of these rugs.
There will usually be 3bands of wavy lines or a solid color between one or two more complex bands,which are patterned with motifs such as squash blossoms, arrows, stars,crosses, triangles, etc. Muted earthen colors such as rust, grey, and rich brown, aswell as pastel greens, pinks, or yellow are common. This design was said to be influenced by the serape blanketsworn in New Mexico.The design is usually a simple geometric shape such as a chevron, diamond, serrate, or triangle, etc. These are either repeated throughout the rug or as a border or evencan appear in blocks set against a solid background. The design will appearquite busy and can have a combination of colors.
Navajo rugs frequently have a side slvage cord. To maintain a straight edge, Navajo loom weavers often use a twisted section selvage cord. The presence or non-existence of a sideselvage chord is not as definite as a fringe. But if it is, it strengthens the case that it is Navajo. Mexican weavers have straight sides. They use three or four warps in a piece, or even one rope or very thick warp. If you see a rug with visible outside warps that appear thicker, examine the ends to check for fringe and evidence that the warp edges have been sewn in to eliminate it.
My team and myself are here to help you find the best information possible about rugs. Rug should be your one-stop source for all information regarding rugs or carpets. Rug's mission is to give you information about rug facts and figures so that you can make informed buying decisions. Medicine Man Gallery specializes Navajo rugs & Navajo blankets. You can divide Navajo rugs & blankets into four periods: Classic Period from 1650-1868 to Late Classic Period from 1865-1880 to Transitional Period between 1868-1895 and Rug Period from 1895-Present.
It is important to remember that weaving Navajo rugs can be difficult. A weaver may not have the time and skill to do it right away. Boys and girls learn as children, but they often progress in difficulty. The price of authentic Navajo rugs will be affected by the quality and weave of the yarn, their size and the design. Navajo rugs can be woven on the same simple loom used by the Navajo for over 300 years. The intricate, balanced designs of Navajo rugs speak volumes about the weaver’s talent and artistic ability. It is often difficult for new collectors to determine if a Navajo rug they are buying is authentic. It is important to know what to look out for, as weavings from Mexico may resemble Navajo rugs. This can cause confusion for novice collectors. A weaving described as "Navajo" should be avoided. This is a sign that you are not looking at a genuine Navajo rug but a Mexican replica.