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What makes Navajo textiles all the more breathtaking is how simple the tools are that the weavers would use to create them. The looms are simple, usually erected out-of-doors, under a tree branch. Patterns were (and still are) plotted in the weaver’s head - to execute a harmonious design requires expert artistic ability and multidimensional thinking. In terms of artisanship, all Navajo weavings are painstaking, manual endeavors. As is common even today, the weaver’s family raised the sheep; caring for the flock was a family affair. Early Navajo weavings were usually made from special wool from the Churro sheep breed - known for its long, silky fibers. Later, as the Navajo moved into making rugs, they incorporated other sheep varieties into their flocks.
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The second type of rug for Navajo rug ID are the 3 styles of banded rugs--Chinle, Wide Ruins, and Crystal. The Chinle style is the simplest of the 3 styles. There arestrips of plain color alternating with bands containing repeated geometricdesigns. These can include squash blossoms, stacked chevrons, and diamonds, andmay even have railroad tracks. Chinle is in the geographic center of the Reservation andwas thus a crossroad for travel and commerce.
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Many Navajo rugs will have what Indian arts dealers call, "lazy lines." It is an inaccurate and insulting term that I hope will be replaced by the term, "Section Line." The section line line is a diagonal joint or break in the weave where a weaver has worked on a single section of the rug without having to reach all the way across the rug. She weaves one section, then moves over and weaves another section. This creates the diagonal section line. Not all Navajo rugs have section lines. The end borders in Mexican imitation Navajo rugs are generally much wider than in a genuine Navajo rug. Side borders are often wider as well. If the rug has fringe at both ends that are extensions of the warps, then it is not a genuine Navajo rug.

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Whether your goal is to buy a rug or simply want to learn more about the value and importance of a professional appraisal, we can help you. Appraisers have a large customer base and the expertise to determine the worth of a Navajo rugs. There are three options available when selling a Navajo rugs: a professional retailer (museum), or online through sites such as eBay. Potential buyers are more likely to buy professional appraisals. They include a certificate for authenticity. A network of potential customers is available to certified appraisers, who attend state conventions. To verify that your Native American Rug is authentic, you can look at certain characteristics. You should look out for slender corner ties that connect the end cords to the selvage.
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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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Rugs woven in the Ukraine will be good reproductions of Navajo rug designs. The sides selvages have bundled warps and the ends will be nicely hand serged. These rugs are really flatwoven rugs with southwestern or Navajo style designs. Unfortunately they are often sold as the genuine article in Indian arts stores.
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Navajo rugs have a wool wrap. It can be difficult to know which type of wool warp was used if your knowledge isn't extensive enough. However, generally, cotton and linen are smoother than Wool. Wool is, well... wooly. As you can see in this picture, there are very few fibers that stick out beyond the warp. A cotton warp is used in one Navajo rug, the Gallup throw. Keep in mind, cotton was widely used as a warp until the late 1800s. To verify authenticity, look at other indicators. But make sure to include the fiber content of any warp in your authentication. Below is Jennie, a master weaver. It is obvious that there is no fringe and that the side selvage string contrasts well with dark wool. This rug has all of the characteristics that a genuine Navajo rug. It is 100% wool, with the warp and a side seam cord.
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