What Do the Symbols on the Two Grey Hills Navajo Rugs Mean?
What Do the Symbols on The Two Gray Hills Navajo Rugs Mean? This article explains the various symbols that appear on Navajo rugs, as well as the meaning of the “spirit line” and side selvage cord. Here are a few examples of each. And remember, no two rugs will look the same!
Navajo rugs are patterned with motifs
The typical Two Grey Hills style was created around 1911. Ed Davies and George Bloomfield, owners of the two Trading Posts, worked with local weavers to create a textile of improved quality. Prior Navajo weavings tended to be made of commercially dyed and spun fibers, making them very similar to the brightly colored Ganado rugs. The weavers, however, preferred the natural wool produced by their sheep.
The Two Grey Hills rugs are patterned with motifs in various colors and designs. The Tree of Life Rug, for example, depicts a cornstalk growing from a basket. Other motifs on these rugs include brightly colored birds, small animals, and flowers. They were created in Cedar Ridge, a town on the Navajo Reservation. This area of New Mexico is known for its rugs, and many of them have motifs from the region.
They have a “spirit line”
A spirit line in a rug is a deliberate imperfection, or “spirit pathway,” that a weaver intentionally inserts into the weaving. The Navajo believe that when they weave, part of their spirit entwined with the rug’s material prevents them from becoming trapped. Spirit lines are typically found in rugs with borders, but not all. They appear in the corner of the weaving at the top right.
Some people think that the name Two Grey Hills refers to the color of the rug and its pattern. While this is true in some cases, this name refers to actual landmarks near the trading post. Many of the rugs made in the region don’t depict the hills. The name of the area translates to “twilight area” and “spirit line.”
They have a side selvage cord
A side selvage cord is a cord placed along the side edge of a Navajo rug. The cord is made of the same material as the rug’s back and is a common feature of Navajo rugs. A side cord is used in weaving Navajo rugs, and many are made with one. However, if you want a side selvage cord that accentuates the beauty of your rug, then you should find a piece that is made with the exact same technique.
The side selvage cord on a Navajo rug is a classic design feature. It stands out against the background’s dark wool and is one of the most distinctive aspects of a Navajo rug. The Navajo people primarily crafted these rugs in the 1920s. These rugs were traditionally made with no fringe, but have the added distinction of having a cord that ties them together.
