How To Tell the Age of Navajo Rugs
When it comes to determining the age of Navajo rugs, you should be able to spot a few obvious signs. These rugs are often pictorial and depict ceremonial sandpaintings. Additionally, they are hand-woven in the weaver’s home, making them a valuable investment. And as a bonus, Navajo rugs are expensive, so you need to be able to tell when to purchase them.
Navajo rugs are pictorial
Navajo rugs are a rich source of cultural history. They incorporate representational images into their woven designs. Early pictorial weavings featured small elements, such as flowers, leaves, and birds, in a geometric pattern. Post-World War II, more Navajo weavers started weaving these rugs, which have a variety of different themes. Popular pictorial themes include people, animals, and landscapes. The Tree of Life pattern, for example, features a cornstalk growing out of a Navajo wedding basket. Birds nestled in the leaves of the cornstalk, and other elements, including a variety of fruits and vegetables, are popular pictorial motifs.
They show ceremonial sandpaintings
Navajo women watch, sing, and weave to the Spider Woman and draw figures in the sand. Women also wire and record lightning, record thunder, and track animals in secret habits. They also draw pictures in the sand using wool thread. A new exhibit, Song of the Loom, displays these sandpaintings on Navajo rugs. Curated by Ann Rowe, this exhibit will continue through July 12.
They are made in the weaver’s home
The process of weaving a Navajo rug, which is unique to the American Southwest, began in the weaver’s home, not a factory. In the 1880s, railroad service reached Navajo land and brought a boom in weaving demand. By 1930, women’s textile production amounted to $1 million annually and comprised one-third of the nation’s annual revenue. Until the 1960s, rugs were sold by weight, and women earned between $6 and $8 per rug. The story of their struggle is a haunting one for contemporary producers. Sadly, the Navajo nation’s textile production did not keep pace with the growing demand, and many rugs were manufactured with inferior quality. Today, the average price of a Navajo rug is about $8000.
They are expensive
If you’re wondering how to tell the age of a Navajo Rug, here are a few guidelines:
They are made in India
Navajo Rugs are popular in the United States. Originally, they were used by Native Americans for ceremonial purposes. Afterward, Navajo designs became popular, and many people purchased Navajo products for their homes. Most hotels west of the Mississippi have a Navajo blanket or rug, and the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park features one. But, what’s the story behind the design?
They are made from Germantown yarn
Navajo Rugs are made from the same yarn as other Navajo rugs, but with different quality and design. A Germantown rug will have more detail in the design, while a T.F. rug will be simpler in design. T.F. rugs are characterized by their brilliant dark red background color. However, the red aniline dye may have leaked into the white areas, diminishing their value.
