Banded Blankets made with simple stripes of contrasting color were descendents of the earliest Navajo weavings. A more complicated type of design was derived from Hispanic Saltillo serapes which featured brightly colored patterns of serrated diamond shapes. Weavers frequently outlined the small serrated patterns with a single yarn of contrasting color to heighten the visual complexity and impact. This patterning technique became known as the Eyedazzler and continues to be popular to the present day. Both the banded and diamond pattern homespun blankets of the late 19th century are generically known as Transitional Blankets because they signaled the end of Navajo blanket production and ushered in the era of the Navajo rug.
What makes Navajo textiles all the more breathtaking is how simple the tools are that the weavers would use to create them. The looms are simple, usually erected out-of-doors, under a tree branch. Patterns were (and still are) plotted in the weaver’s head - to execute a harmonious design requires expert artistic ability and multidimensional thinking. In terms of artisanship, all Navajo weavings are painstaking, manual endeavors. As is common even today, the weaver’s family raised the sheep; caring for the flock was a family affair. Early Navajo weavings were usually made from special wool from the Churro sheep breed - known for its long, silky fibers. Later, as the Navajo moved into making rugs, they incorporated other sheep varieties into their flocks.
Rugs woven in the Ukraine will be good reproductions of Navajo rug designs. The sides selvages have bundled warps and the ends will be nicely hand serged. These rugs are really flatwoven rugs with southwestern or Navajo style designs. Unfortunately they are often sold as the genuine article in Indian arts stores.
Weaving has always been a major part of the Navajo culture. While it is not entirely known where they learned to weave, they ended up becoming the most skilled out of all the Native Amerian tribes. The vivid geometric patterns on highly-durable fabrics were renown throughout the Southwest.
Here's a Zapotec rug. The fringe is visible at its bottom. This rug is most commonly confused with a Navajo weaving. These rugs have a lot of skill in weaving, as the yarns are often spun and hand-dyed by skilled artisans. There are fewer patterns than what you might see in a typical Navajo piece with the same color choices. I can assist you in identifying textiles at $20-50 per article. Send me information on the textile you would like to learn more about by clicking here. The Eyedazzler would have been used to call the weaver. There may be others who call it a Squash blossom. The top banded rug isn't designed to be used in any specific regional style. Some people might call it a saddle blanket or chief blanket design.
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.
Remember that if you feel uncomfortable with a rug or are unsure if it's authentic Navajo rug, don't buy it. For authentic Navajo rugs make sure you work with a trusted dealer. This video is a must-see for both new and seasoned collectors. It is crucial that you are able to distinguish between a Navajo Navajo carpet and a Navajo quilt. The price of the textile is dependent on the weaving. Dr. J. Mark Sublette explains how to care for authentic Navajo rugs. This video is a must for anyone who is interested to collect authentic Navajo rugs. Dr. J. Mark Sublette covers the pitfalls, and condenses 25+ years of experience into one tutorial.