How To Make Navajo Rugs
Interested in how to make a Navajo rug? This article will introduce you to some of the most important features of the Navajo rug. This includes how to weave a Navajo rug and how to identify a Navajo rug. In addition to this, you’ll find information about the weaver and how to care for a Navajo rug. Continue reading for some more information.
Navajo rug design
The Chinle style is a popular Navajo rug design. The Navajo people were known for their use of natural vegetable dyes and short diagonal lines. The colors used in this style are muted pastels, white, yellow, and green. The Chinle style originated in the town of Chinle but is now woven all over the Navajo nation. It also takes less time to weave than the other two banded styles.
The traditional process of weaving a Navajo rug takes many days or even months. This intricate art is a part of Navajo culture and the number of Navajo rug weavers is declining every year. However, if you want to make a Navajo rug design yourself, you can purchase software that allows you to simulate intricate designs. Many Navajo weavers strongly discourage the practice of copying their designs, and you can use this software to simulate these designs.
Navajo rug weaver
Many rugs from Navajo tribes are considered to be works of art, but the price tag attached to these pieces is not justified by economics. Unfortunately, starving artists are easier to find during economic downturns, when art is the first thing to go. As a result, the economic downturn has a particularly traumatic effect on communities reliant on their art for basic needs. Fortunately, there are ways to preserve a Navajo rug weaver’s tradition.
Navajo rugs are unique and represent a culture, geography, and way of life, not just function. Weavers have studied their art for decades, and Ron Garnanez is one of the few contemporary weavers still working with traditional methods. The weaver knows sacred chants for each step of the process and even knows the right Navajo rugs’ size and shape. You can get a copy of this new book from the Navajo Museum in Santa Fe, NM.
Navajo rug care
Taking proper care of a Navajo rug is vital to maintaining its beauty. You should never dry clean or hand-wash the rug without the help of a professional. The wool should be protected from excessive moisture, and the dyes must be properly set before washing. Cleaning methods vary depending on the type and age of your Navajo rug. Whether it’s a floor rug or a wall hanging, it should always be aired out or hung on the wall. If you must wash it, consider using a “wet vacuum” to dry it quickly. Never use detergents or harsh cleaning agents on a Navajo rug.
Navajo weavings should never be placed in direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade the colors of a Navajo rug. Depending on the source of the dye, it can vary dramatically. Natural wool colors will fade faster than vegetal ones. Besides, moths can easily destroy a weaving, so keep it away from bright lights. You can use mothballs to discourage moth activity. However, this can damage the lanolin content of the rug, resulting in a dull-looking piece.
Navajo rug ID
While the basic characteristics of a Navajo rug help you identify the style, there are some specific features to look for to help you tell if it’s authentic. While some rugs have typical regional designs, other types use different materials. Wool rugs, for instance, typically have a warp made of wool. Cotton and linen, on the other hand, tend to be smooth and don’t have the same appearance as wool.
Antique rugs are usually more valuable than contemporary rugs, but even the most recent Navajo rugs can command several thousand dollars. Unfortunately, the number of Navajo weavers is decreasing each year. They require time, discipline, and proper care. Although a rug can look new, it is best to treat it like gold and keep it clean. Avoid the washing machine and use a steam cleaner to maintain its beauty. Never use a wide vacuum attachment on a rug.
