When it comes to size, the larger the rug is, the longer it takes to weave. This will increase the price, the larger the rug is. The largest rugs can take up to three years to make. Given the extra hours put into making it, it will cost significantly more than a more common 4'x6′ rug. Antique rugs will cost more than modern ones, given their value has risen as a result of their rarity. However, even contemporary Navajo rugs can fetch upwards of several thousand dollars. This is because the number of Navajo weavers is diminishing every year. There is a great deal of time and discipline needed to create a rug. Taking care of your Navajo rug will ensure that it can maintain its vibrant colors and stay in great shape for a long time. Here are some tips for caring for your rug.
Not all rugs with a Native American look or Southwestern feel are made by Navajo. Mexico has a long tradition in weaving, so it's easy to get lost. Dr. J., a Navajo- and Hispanic textile expert, presents his tips in this video. Mark Sublette shares tips for avoiding common pitfalls when determining if a weave is authentic Navajo rug/blanket. This article gives a brief history about Navajo weaving. This article by Dr. J. explains the history, styles, terminology, and origins of authentic Navajo blankets. Mark Sublette is the CEO of Medicine Man Gallery. Read more
These rugs are so special because of the history they hold. This is why they cost so much more. We have already spoken a bit more about the history behind these rugs. This isn't the only reason why they are more expensive than others. There are many other reasons. Authentic Navajo rugs woven by hand on a Navajo Loom. There are three standard sizes: 5x8, 6x6 and 9x9. You can see that most rugs are woven in a rectangular shape if you take a look at the common sizes. This configuration can make it difficult to weave larger sizes.
It's a textile made for tourists in Guatemala and southern Mexico. It can be cut in the places where warps aren’t woven. It is genuine Navajo and a variant the Storm Pattern. It is not in my possession, but a rug of this quality should be around $100 per square feet. This is a double twill saddle blanket. These blankets require skill in weaving, and they don't always get the value they deserve. The auction value is $350-$600 and the retail price is $750-$800. Two Grey Hills rug purchased at Toadlena Trading, 1984. I decided to spend more and buy a rug made by a master weaver. I sadly lost the original information on the weaver years ago when I packed up the rug. Is there a way to locate the weaver by looking at the design, etc. Any help would be most appreciated.
There are also distinctive features of Zapotec rugs, such as the fringe on the bottom of the rug. Although similar in style to Navajo rugs, Zapotec rugs are difficult to recognize due to their overlapping patterns and colors. They also have less pattern than a typical Navajo piece of the same size. A few things to look for in a Navajo rug can help you differentiate between the two.
Navajo rugs are free from ridges on the ends. If someone is trying to pass a rug off Navajo as Navajo (or just to make it look more Navajo), they may take the time to run the warps through the rug to remove fringe. However this causes ridges at the ends. You'll be able to see the doubled-up weft warps by separating the yarns. I will add a picture when I find another good example. This is quite common in Ye’i rug copies made in Mexico.
In the process, they drew out specific concepts and motifs, re-synthesizing them into distinctly Navajo designs. 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.