old native american indian rugs

handwoven native american rugs

The price of a Navajo rug is determined by several factors, including the fineness of the yarn, the design, and its size. Traditionally, Navajo rugs were woven on the same simple loom for over 300 years. Their intricate, balanced designs are testimony to the weaver’s skill. Though reproductions are often made in Mexico, they are still recognizable as Navajo rugs.

In the early 1800s Navajo's tribal women began to weave chiefs' blankets. These blankets were often traded, so Indians all over the world wore them from the northern Great Plains of the United States to the Mexican border. Although blankets weren't considered to be a symbol, they were a sign of chieftainship. They were nevertheless a symbol affluence, power and luxury. They have a lot of history that makes them so important. It is the primary reason they are expensive.We have already covered some of the history associated with these rugs.

jute backed 5 x 7 native american rugs

Our website has pricing for most Navajo rugs. If a price cannot be seen, it is either part or our exclusive Navajo Churro Collection or one or more of our more valuable Antique or Contemporary Navajo Rugs. We will gladly provide pricing information for these pieces. I was immediately shocked to learn that a 19th-century antique Navajo Navajo Navajo Navajo Navajo Navajo Navajo Navajo a blanket was for sale at auction for $1800,000. "What?!" "What?" was what I thought, or perhaps I even spoke it out loud. "How could it sell for that amount of money?! It was a simple blanket, and hardly any more attractive or interesting than any of the other Moroccans we have in our gallery. It looked more similar to the identically colored, but simple woven baby blanket, which I insisted on spending years sleeping with.But who was I? I'm not an expert in Native American history. I decided to give it my best shot and learn more about the item. To my delight, it had incredible historical relevance! It dates back as far as the mid-nineteenth centuries, when John Chantland - a Scandinavian immigrant originating from Norway - traded unspecified goods to purchase the blanket. It was in the family till its recent sale.

navajo rug for sale

In the process, they drew out specific concepts and motifs, re-synthesizing them into distinctly Navajo designs. Motifs probably derived from oriental rugs include repeated hook shapes (often called “latch hooks”), the “waterbug” shaped like an “X” with a bar through the middle, the “airplane” or T-shape with rounded ends and, in a small number of weavings, rosettes. An even more lasting and fundamental influence was the concept of a large central motif in one, two or three parts that covers almost all of the ground between the borders.

old native american indian rugs

native american patterns rugs

These blankets were highly prized trade items for tribes that didn't have their own weaving traditions. Even back then, Navajo blankets weren't affordable, so it was difficult for tribe members to afford one. Plains cultures valued Navajo blankets, especially for their warmth and comfort. One way to identify a man riding on horseback wearing one these weavings is by the design of his blanket, before his features become visible. The Navajo tradition of weaving blankets was that they were worn by Navajo for approximately 50 years. The advent of mechanical weaving technologies and the availability of affordable blankets, such as those manufactured by Pendleton Woolen Mills, marked the end to the era.

native american patterns rugs
non skid 5 x 7 native american rugs
non skid 5 x 7 native american rugs

They knew everything about eye-catching and beautiful design. Many of them even added their personal touch to the rug's overall design. Sometimes, a symbol is all that's needed to add personal flair. You'll see lightning bolts or sun rays, crosses and triangles among other shapes and designs. These all have a meaning. This tells us what the weaver was thinking when they started weaving the rug. It is what makes these rugs unique.

southwest style area rugs

Navajo rug ID begins with the ability to recognize some basic regional characteristics. It is important to remember, however, that every rug, like it's weaver, is an individual. The process of weaving, to the Navajo, is a spiritual one. Each weaver puts her (or occasionally, his) soul and creative energy into the weaving of a rug. Though it may have a characteristic regional design, it will be the interpretation of the weaver that will make that rug its own enduring piece of art. While basic knowledge of regional characteristics is useful in the study of Navajo rug ID, in the Navajo nation today a rug with a regional name such as Two Grey Hills may have actually been woven by a weaver from a completely different region.

southwest style area 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.