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In an effort to subdue and “domesticate” the Indians, the US Army slaughtered the Navajo’s sheep and destroyed their crops and homes. The government allowed weaving to continue during the internment by replacing the Navajo’s home-grown wool with factory-made yarns from Europe and the eastern United States. After the Navajo returned to their homelands in 1868, the US government continued to provide commercial yarns as part of their “annuity” support for the Navajo people. In the 1870s, licensed Indian Traders began supplying weavers with factory-made yarns brightly colored with aniline (chemical) dyes. Blankets made of these colorful yarns are generically called Germantown weavings after the town in Pennsylvania where much of the yarn was produced.

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There is one exception to the additional indicators of price, material and fringe. Gallup throws, which are woven in the Gallup, New Mexico area, are small textiles measuring about 18 by 24 inches. Gallup throws are made with a cotton warp, and the weaving is cut off and knotted, creating a fringe on one side only. Typical prices for these textiles range from $40 to $50, as of publication. The only other authentic Navajo rugs that feature fringe are Germantown rugs. These rare antique rugs have fringe that was added on after the weaving process was completed.

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The best way to identify a genuine Navajo rug is to look for the warp and selvage lines. These lines are often continuous, although the weaver can vary. Fake rugs can be harder to spot, particularly if they are priced at less than $200. The warp threads in a fake rug will also have ridges on the end since they are made of wool rather than cotton.

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From the 1880s through the 1930s, reservation traders were the Navajos’ primary contact with the outside world. As such, they also were the weavers’ primary-or even sole-customers. Therefore traders exercised significant influence on weavings simply by paying more for the designs, sizes, colors, and qualities they wanted. Of course, trader’s choices were driven by what they thought they could sell to their off-reservation customers, but they also were guided by their own aesthetic sensibilities. As a result, distinctive styles of rugs emerged around several trading posts in the first years of the twentieth century. Such combinations of pattern and color are known as Regional Styles and are typically named after the trading post that encouraged their production.

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Although the task of purchasing a Navajo Navajo rug might seem daunting, it is actually quite simple. Many online retailers sell Navajo rugs through their online galleries. Visit a store in Navajo if you want to see them in person. You will need to reserve a place in Navajo homes.

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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.

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Apart from guides about specific rug problems, we also put out discussions regarding different rugs. These discussions will enable you to get a better idea about the rugs & carpets in your home. The Navajo Nation is one of the largest Native American tribes in the U.S. As of the most recent census, they currently top the numbers as the biggest tribe by population, unseating the Cherokee, per US News. Members of the group mostly live on the largest reservation in the country — about 16 million acres, which sits mostly in Arizona but also covers parts of New Mexico and Utah, according to the Indian Health Service. The Navajo have called the southwestern U.S. home for well over a century. Once at war with white settlers and other Native tribes, the Navajo honed a skill that helped them produce one of their most valuable creations: blankets. The Navajo are known for a lot of things, but their weaving skills are widely recognized. During the 17th century, the group picked up two skills from the Spanish — learning how to herd sheep and how to make wool, according to PBS. By the late 17th century they'd learned intricate weaving methods from the Pueblo. With the latter skill, the Navajo perfected the art of weaving and made such high-quality blankets that they could practically hold water.

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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.
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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.
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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.