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It is important to remember that weaving Navajo rugs can be difficult. A weaver may not have the time and skill to do it right away. Boys and girls learn as children, but they often progress in difficulty. The price of authentic Navajo rugs will be affected by the quality and weave of the yarn, their size and the design. Navajo rugs can be woven on the same simple loom used by the Navajo for over 300 years. The intricate, balanced designs of Navajo rugs speak volumes about the weaver’s talent and artistic ability. It is often difficult for new collectors to determine if a Navajo rug they are buying is authentic. It is important to know what to look out for, as weavings from Mexico may resemble Navajo rugs. This can cause confusion for novice collectors. A weaving described as "Navajo" should be avoided. This is a sign that you are not looking at a genuine Navajo rug but a Mexican replica.
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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.
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Nevertheless, some weavers still practice the more difficult twill weaves, including rare two-faced weavings which have a different twill pattern on each side. In the 1960s, weavers in the area of Coal Mine Mesa in Arizona popularized an unusual technique called Raised Outline in which the joints between color areas are thicker and appear to rise above the surface of the weaving. Most raised outline rugs also use the technique of alternating single weft threads of two contrasting colors. When tightly battened, they give the appearance of very thin stripes running parallel to each warp thread. As with any collecting specialty, there is so much to learn about Navajo weaving that it can seem overwhelming for the beginner.

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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.
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These rugs are made with high-quality wool and yarn. This ensures that they will last many years. Because of their fragile construction, it is recommended to wash them by hand. The vibrant colors of Navajo rugs come mainly from natural pigmentation or vegetable dyes. These colors will last longer than expected and won't get ruined by washing. They can live for many years if you keep them clean and in good condition. Actually, there are four kinds of Navajo rugs. These include Ganado, Two Grey Hills and Klagetoh. The design difference determines which category is used. These two categories have the most simple designs, while the Ganado is more complex than the Klagetoh. The Navajo sheavers chose four colors to reflect their culture and spirituality. These colors are: yellow, blue, black, and yellow. These colors were used to symbolize their tribe via the rugs.


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Navajo rugs may have a side selvage line. To maintain a straight edge for their Navajo weavings, Navajo weavers frequently use a twisted version of the side selvage. While a fringe may not be as reliable as a side selvage, the presence or absence is a sign that the cord might be Navajo. Mexican weavers create straight lines in their pieces by using three to five warps or even one thick warp. If you find a rug made with outside warps which are visibly thicker than the rug, be sure to inspect the ends of the rug. You will see fringe or evidence that warp ends have been sewn back into the rug to remove the fringe.
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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.
