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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.

Nevertheless, the great variety of interpretations suggests that meanings were assigned by traders and collectors, not by the Navajo themselves. The storm pattern’s precise origin is uncertain-one story suggests it was developed by a trader on the western side of the Reservation-but the weavers at Crystal developed this concept into one of the most popular and lasting of all Navajo rug patterns. Not far from Crystal was the Two Grey Hills trading post, known for weavings in which no dyes were used. Instead, weavers carefully combed and spun different natural colors of yarn to yield a beautiful range of creamy whites, tans, browns, and greys. (To get a solid black color, weavers sometimes would overdye dark brown wool with black dye.)

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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.

how to find value of native american rugs

how to find value of native american rugs

Selvage lines run along the sides of the rug. The line is actually two or more threads twisting around each other and interlaced through the edge of the fabric. Selvage lines help the weaver maintain a straight edge and give the rug a finished look. Although the presence of selvage lines helps indicate the authenticity of a Navajo rug, the absence of these lines does not necessarily mean the rug is not authentic. It is possible to see selvage lines in a photograph.

native american style rugs

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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.

native american area rugs cheap
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The Navajo Chief’s blanket is perhaps the most well-known of all Navajo blanket types. Native American art expert Dr. J. Mark Sublette explains all about authentic Navajo Chiefs' blankets. He also explains how to identify each blanket through each historical phase. Navajo textile expert, Dr. J. Mark Sublette explains how to date Navajo blankets. This video will give you an overview of the characteristics that are required to date authentic Navajo blankets at different ages. Some rugs with a Native American or Southwestern appearance are not made by the Navajo. Mexico has a long history of weaving, so it is easy to get lost if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Dr. J., a Navajo and Hispanic expert in textiles, shares his expertise. Mark Sublette gives some tips to help you avoid common pitfalls in determining if a weaving's authenticity is authentic Navajo blanket or rug.

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There is a company that has a line of more convincing fakes made in India. They sell these rugs as "inspired by Navajo rug weaving traditions" and are an attempt "to reproduce the exact feel, texture, weave and look of the Navajo hand-woven rug." Their tag line is, "The Most Authentic Reproductions Based on the Navajo Weaving Tradition." These bogus Navajo rugs are complete with side cords, section lines and end finishes that can fool you because they are very convincing.

how to identify native american rugs

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.