How Much Are Navajo Rugs and Blankets Worth?
If you’ve purchased a Navajo rug or blanket, you may be wondering how much it’s worth. While you’ll probably never see the full value of a Navajo rug, a professional appraiser can give you an idea of its potential value and provide a certificate of authenticity. Native American museums and tribal centers often have professional appraisers on staff, but before you trust a local appraisal service, you’ll want to make sure they are certified by the National Association of Professional Appraisers (NAPA), Appraisers’ National Association, and the Association of Online Appraisers.
Authentic Navajo rugs
The value of antique Navajo rugs varies greatly, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the size and design. Historically, Navajo rugs are highly collectible, and their provenance can increase their value. The rugs are usually made from natural vegetable dyes and do not have borders. Authentic Navajo rugs often contain motifs and added design elements.
Although the earliest Navajo blanket was not retrieved until 1890, the Navajos still crafted clothing, and household items, and wore blankets before this time. The Chief Blanket, for example, was valued at more than $500 in 2002, thanks to its rare color and design. Nevertheless, it would be impossible for the seller to prove that the item was woven in Mexico.
Value of a Navajo rug
Authenticity and craftsmanship are two primary criteria in determining the value of a Navajo rug. Though many rugs are made by the Navajo people, you will find that not all of them are made with high-quality craftsmanship. Look for even, straight edges and no significant defects. Check the weft count on both sides of the rug. If any of the threads appear to be cut and run back into the rug, it’s probably a fake.
Navajo rugs are considered antiques because of their high-quality wool and intricate craftsmanship. The price of a Navajo rug can range from $100 to several thousand dollars depending on its size and condition. As with any antique, provenance can add to its value. The Ganado rug is an example of Navajo weaving. Its background is usually deep red with a black border. Its central design motifs are the same as those admired by Hubbell, which include terraced diamonds, crosses, and diamonds within a circle.
Value of a Navajo blanket
When a Navajo blanket was made, it served a function other than warmth. Besides being used as a blanket, a Navajo blanket was also used as a door in their hogans, which were semi-permanent cabins. These blankets were often very expensive, and the owner could expect to receive a fair amount of money for them. They were highly valuable, but they weren’t necessarily used as trading items. Nevertheless, the blankets were also valuable, both for their warmth and for their aesthetic beauty.
A Navajo blanket is one of the most valuable pieces of art from Native Americans. This piece is a relic from the “First Phase” of Navajo weaving when Navajo weavers used Puebla-style techniques to create some of the most finely woven blankets in history. They were highly valued items, worn by Native American Chiefs and prized by Spanish traders. Only a few hundred of these blankets exist, and if they are in good condition, they can fetch upwards of $100,000 or more.
