Traditional Navajo Rugs – What Are They Worth?
You may wonder if a traditional Navajo rug is worth much money. This article will discuss the basics of Navajo rugs, such as their vertical looms and tassels. Learn more about the value of a traditional Navajo rug and how to find it. There are many factors to consider when evaluating a traditional Navajo rug.
Navajo rugs are made with a vertical loom
Unlike other rugs, Navajo rugs are woven vertically. They often feature horizontal patterns and unique diagonal lines. The weaves are typically simple, with a basket or twill weave showing the warp and weft, while tapestry rugs are more complex and require different techniques. The following are some examples of Navajo rugs, as well as their design and techniques.
They are finely woven
In the past, Navajo rugs were finely woven and made for the home, not for trading. Traders began buying blankets in large numbers and changing the quality of the weaving. Some Navajo weavers deliberately neglected quality control. Some scour their wool for more weight, while others add clay to the rugs to make them heavier. Today, they are sold for high prices.
They have tassels
Tassels have always been a popular feature of Navajo Rugs. The storm pattern came from a trader in the western part of the reservation and was developed by weavers at the nearby village of Crystal. Eventually, this pattern became the most popular motif on Navajo Rugs. In fact, the Two Grey Hills trading post became famous for weavings with no dyes. This trading post became known for weavings with complex geometric patterns, typically based on a large hooked central diamond and multiple geometric borders.
They are flexible
The term “flexible” is used frequently by dealers in Indian arts and crafts. It implies that the Navajo rug is incredibly finely woven and flexible, and this is very true. It is often made from fussiness, a synthetic aniline dye invented by Hofmann and Nicholson in 1858 and used extensively for decades thereafter. A Gallup throw is another example of a flexible Navajo rug, which has the warp and weft threads tied together at one end. These rugs are often finished with the normal end cord finish.
They are valuable
If you’re considering purchasing a Navajo rug, you’ve made a good choice! These rugs are made of wool and are woven in the Southwest of the Great Republic. They are valuable because they reflect the culture and heritage of the Indigenous Inhabitants of the land. You’ll also appreciate the quality and craftsmanship of this handicraft, which is still passed down through the generations.