native american rugs and blankets

vintage style native american rugs

Second, look for the presence of “lazy lines.” A lazy line is a diagonal, 45-degree angle line formed as the Navajo weaver creates the rug. The presence of one can be a diagnostic characteristic of an authentic Navajo rug (although knock-off rugs also try to have similar looking lines in the weave). A lazy line is formed as the weaver works. The weaver sits in front of the loom and works in a section, weaving in the weft yarn in the desired pattern. The weaver then moves over and works on another section. By working in this way, it creates these beautiful lines in the body of the rug.

indian style rug

Wool is the main material used for making Navajo rugs. There are a few genuine Navajo rugs which are made with synthetic materials, such as acrylic. It could be interpreted as a Navajo woman creating her own inexpensive knockoff if you come across one. In this case, it doesn't matter if the object is real or fake. While imitations might use wool, poor imitations made from Mexico use polyester. Some imitations from India and Pakistan are made with a mixture of wool, acrylic or polyester. Another author stated that it is not possible to tell if the rug is woolen by sniffing it. Modern Navajo rugs have very little lanolin in them. It doesn't even smell.

native american rugs and blankets

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!

native american rugs 4 x 6

native american rugs 4 x 6

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.

9x12 native american design rugs

There will usually be 3bands of wavy lines or a solid color between one or two more complex bands,which are patterned with motifs such as squash blossoms, arrows, stars,crosses, triangles, etc. Muted earthen colors such as rust, grey, and rich brown, aswell as pastel greens, pinks, or yellow are common. This design was said to be influenced by the serape blanketsworn in New Mexico.The design is usually a simple geometric shape such as a chevron, diamond, serrate, or triangle, etc. These are either repeated throughout the rug or as a border or evencan appear in blocks set against a solid background. The design will appearquite busy and can have a combination of colors.

9x12 native american design rugs
black and white native american pattern round rugs
black and white native american pattern round rugs

The Ganado and Klagetoh style rugs continue to be made to this day and are among the most popular of all Navajo rug designs. J.B. Moore, who owned the trading post at Crystal, New Mexico from 1897-1911, was another visionary trader who exercised enormous influence over early Navajo rug design. Perhaps his most important innovation was to introduce weavers in his region to Oriental rug patterns. Rather than copying wholesale, the Navajo filtered the new patterns through their own cultural sensibilities and personal design preferences. In the process, they drew out specific concepts and motifs, re-synthesizing them into distinctly Navajo designs.

what are the earlist native american rugs

The top with the banded rugs doesn't necessarily fit in with any regional style. Some people might call it a saddle blanket or chief blanket design. The one at the top is woven out of a book called Working with the Wool by Noel Bennett. Noel lived near Gallup, when you lived close to Church Rock. I believe she taught weaving at Gallup's library on Thursday nights. It doesn’t meet any regional criteria. This is a banded area rug. I think it is best called a Chinle and an Eyedazzler. Our family lived in Church Rock during the late 70s. My parents bought a few rugs, from a trading point near what is now called "Legacy Park" and from a Navajo weaver family. They also lived in a Navajo hagon and raised sheep. I can recall the mutton stew with fry bread. I don't know their names. I'd appreciate your assistance if they can be identified as they have been passed on to me.

what are the earlist native american rugs
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.
As soon as your order ships, you will receive an email with tracking info and then following emails with shipping updates.
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.
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.
Yes, please let us know within 3 days from when you placed your order.
We accept all major credit or debit cards. You can also pay with your PayPal account.
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.