Navajo Rug Flaws
If you’ve ever noticed a Navajo rug that looks a bit off, you’re not alone. Many consumers are also confused by the bleed, side selvage cord, or geometric pattern. Let’s examine the common nuances of these pieces to understand why they look the way they do. In addition, we’ll talk about the history behind these elements, including how they came to be made.
Navajo rugs have a spirit line
Navajo rugs are hand-made in the southwest United States. The spirit line is an important part of their traditional beliefs. The spirit line usually appears as a mistake and extends across the border of the rug and is the same color as the center. While the spirit line is a unique feature of Navajo rugs, not all authentic ones have it. Be careful when purchasing a large rug for a cheap price because it may not be a genuine Navajo rug.
They bleed
One common flaw in Navajo rugs is a “spirit line” that runs across the surface of the rug. This line is a symbol of the spirit of the weaver who entwines part of their soul into the rug. This line is not visible on every Navajo rug. The Spirit Line is usually only visible in bordered rugs. This type of flaw is called “de-bleeding” by dealers of Indian Arts.
They have a side selvage cord
Most Navajo rugs have a side selvage cord, a twisted warp thread that runs from one end to the next. This cord builds the case that the rug is authentic. Mexican weavers do not use side selvage cords and weave pieces with straight sides. Their pieces are woven with three or four warps joined together or a single thick warp. Despite this fact, Navajo rugs have a side selvage cord.
They have a geometric pattern
The geometric pattern is a problem, however. The intricate designs are created by weaving together prayers and songs. These designs are based on a geometric design called Digi. Navajo women learned how to weave from the Spider Woman, a god-like figure who guided them. Initially, the loom was made of sky and earth strings, a white shell, and crystal. Young Dine girls are taught how to weave by their elders.
They have feather and arrow designs
The pattern is known as the storm and is very distinctive and has been used for centuries on Navajo rugs. It is said to have originated in the late 1800s by a trader from the western side of the reservation. The storm pattern is often the most popular Navajo rug design. The weavers at the Two Grey Hills trading post were known for their geometric weavings without the use of dyes and were able to produce rugs with complex, geometric designs. These weavings were made with red beta cloth and were bordered with geometric designs.
