Regional characteristics of a Native American rug can be useful in identifying it. Navajo rugs don’t have borders and feature horizontal bands, while Two Grey Hills rugs typically have elaborate designs. Navajo rugs are often made with natural vegetable dyes. They may also contain designs and patterns added by other people. Typically, the weaving style is similar to Navajo textiles. The two rugs can be identified by their colors and pattern.
Native American blankets can be traced back to the "First Phase", Navajo weaving. Using techniques derived by the Puebla Navajos woven tightly woven blankets from the finest wool. These Native American blankets had high value and were expensive. Native American Chiefs would often only wear them. They were also sought after by native traders as well as Spanish. They are very rare today. The blanket was lot number1062 at John Moran’s auction, and was expected sold for between $100,000-$200,000. It sold for a lot more money than it was worth.
If the rug has fringe at both ends that are extensions of the warps, then it is not a genuine Navajo rug. Wool is the standard material used in the making of a Navajo rug. There are a few genuine Navajo rugs made using synthetic materials such as acrylic. If encountering one, it could be looked at as the result of a Navajo woman weaving her own cheap knock-off. In such case, it probably doesn't matter is it is real or not.
old native american indian rugsIt is a textile used in the tourist trade of southern Mexico and Guatemala. You can cut it apart to display or remove the warps. It's authentic Navajo. The rug is approximately $100 per square ft. I don't have any size information. This is a double-twill saddle blanket. It takes a lot of skill and knowledge to weave these blankets, but they never achieve the auction value they deserve. A retail value of $750-$800 and an auction value between $350 and $600 are possible. Two Grey Hills rug was purchased from Toadlena Trading back in 1984. I decided to spend the extra money and bought a rug by a master weaver. I had to throw the rug away years back and lost all the information. Is there anyway to identify the weaver from this rug? Any ideas would be much appreciated.
They had multiple uses as both coats and as blankets and showcased a variety of colors and designs. As a result of their durability, versatility, and decorative patterns, Navajo blankets became an item of value. Subsequently, the blankets were pricey. Those with the means, such as tribal chiefs, valued the blankets and wore them often, including for ceremonial reasons, per PBS. As they continued to improve and hone their blanket-weaving skills, the Navajo started to evolve their techniques. It resulted in blankets with more styles and colors, and more elaborate designs — all of which took a dedicated amount of time, says the Traditional Fine Arts Organization. They soon grew their product output from blankets and wraps to rugs, and the demand for both continued to increase. Traders, in particular, drove this demand, and it further influenced regional designs. Eventually, the Navajo even started to feature their gods and spiritual figures in their woven creations. By the 19th century, a Navajo blanket cost around $100 to $150 — that's during a period when men made about $5 a week, according to PBS. Today, people can purchase Navajo blankets or rugs from anywhere between under $500 to several thousand dollars (via Navajo Rug).
Dr. J. Mark Sublette discusses Navajo rugs since the 1920s. It also includes history and styles of regional and trading posts such as Navajo Crystals. This article discusses the exemplary authentic Navajo Blankets which were featured at Masterpieces from the Loom in 2011, an exhibition at Medicine Man Gallery. The following are highlighted: Navajo Chief’s blankets; transitional blankets; Germantown pictorials; and early Navajo blanket types. Navajo saddle cushions are a special form of Navajo weaving. Medicine Man Gallery owner Dr. J. Mark Sublette discusses these stunning Navajo blankets which appeared in an exhibit at Medicine Man Gallery in 2009. This presentation will discuss style, form and appeal to collectors.
The best way to learn is to look at as many weavings as you can in galleries and museums, and don’t be afraid to ask questions! Soon you’ll be matching the terminology to the weavings and you’ll begin to feel a surge of confidence. When you decide to buy, focus on a reputable dealer who will take time to answer all your questions simply and directly, and make sure they are willing to give you a written guarantee of authenticity. Happy collecting!