traditional native american rugs

native american rugs how to tell quality

Navajo saddle-blankets are a form of Navajo weaving that is unusual. Medicine Man Gallery's owner, Dr. J. Sublette, discusses these remarkable Navajo saddle blankets in this article. Mark Sublette discusses these incredible Navajo Navajo quilts that were on display at the gallery in 2009. Topics covered include style, form, appeal, and collector appeal.

There will usually be a dark border which can be embellishedon one side with ‘teeth.’ Clouds, water beetles, arrows, feathers, andgeometric designs are throughout. A pictorial usuallyfeatures items in the daily life of a weaver. There can be landscapes with animals, plants, etc., even tractors. If there are borders, they will usually be dark. These are pictorial rugs that show ceremonial sandpaintings.They are square and can contain supernatural figures with magical trappings. They can also include common elements such as snakes, feathers, lizards, andwhirling logs. Because these rugs are sacred, only a few Navajo weavers arewilling or able to produce them. To protect these individuals from spiritualharm, special ceremonial sings must be conducted.

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It dates back to the mid-nineteenth century, when a Scandinavian immigrant (from Norway) named John Chantland bartered unspecified goods for the blanket. It has remained in the family until it’s recent sale. The Native American blanket is a relic of the “First Phase” of Navajo weaving. Using techniques purloined from the Puebla, the Navajos created tightly-woven blankets of a simple striped design, made from the finest wool around. These Native American blankets were highly valued and very expensive; so much so that they were usually worn exclusively by Native American Chiefs. They were also prized by Spanish and native traders.

rubber backed 5 x 7 native american rugs

rubber backed 5 x 7 native american rugs

It is obvious that intricate designs are harder to weave. It is the same story for tight weaving.

perserving native american rugs
perserving native american rugs

Even though fringe is not present, it does not necessarily mean you are looking for a Navajo rug. Mexican weavers might tuck in the ends of the warp to make it appear continuous, even though it may not be. In such cases, the weaving tends to be thicker at its ends, then thins out.

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It should be noted, however, that many rugs produced throughout the century did not conform to a particular regional style and are now difficult to assign to a specific trading post. In recent years as weavers have become more mobile and independent of local trading posts, they often choose to weave patterns originated outside of their area. Many also combine motifs and characteristics from several different regions. As a result, the regional style names are now mostly used to identify common pattern types without necessarily referring to the exact place of origin of a specific weaving.

traditional native american rugs
native american contemporary rugs

Frequently Asked Questions

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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.