Where Are Navajo Aztec Rugs Made?
You’ve probably heard that Navajo aztec rugs are made in a cave. This fact may come as a surprise, but it’s not entirely untrue. The Navajo rugs feature straight or wavy lines and vegetal dyes. So, what exactly are they made of? Read on to learn more. Until now, you probably had no idea that these beautiful pieces of art were woven in caves.
Navajo aztec rugs were woven in a cave
Navajo aztec motifs are a hallmark of Navajo weaving. Their geometric patterns tell the story of their lifestyle and beliefs. The rugs also depict their encounter with an increasingly modern world. While their traditional craft was focused on making blankets, the Navajo accidentally entered the home decoration industry when the culture was subjected to competition and trends.
They are made of polyester
Despite being made of polyester, Navajo aztec woven rugs are still a gorgeous and elegant addition to any home. They are woven by hand in the Southwest, and the weaving process is a labor of love for the Navajo. These rugs were originally created by the Hopi and the Navajo learned the art of weaving from them. In 1500, a tribe called the Navajo began to settle the southwestern United States. Their first weavers were taught weaving by Spider Woman, a god of light. Navajo people began weaving when they first started to raise sheep.
They feature straight or wavy lines
Navajo aztec woven rugs are distinctively geometric in design. They often feature straight or wavy lines, depending on the design style. Historically, these designs were created by the people of the Southwest. They migrated to their homelands following the 1868 removal of the Native Americans from their land. After a period of isolation, they began to trade in textiles for goods with eastern traders. The Navajos were able to transition from wearing blankets as clothing to creating rugs for trade. The textile industry grew, and Navajos turned to weaving rugs for tourist trade. These rugs also featured borders, creating a framing effect.
They feature vegetal dyes
Traditionally, Navajo aztec woven rugs have been dyed with vegetal dyes. The vegetal dyes are extracted from plants native to the reservation and are combined with mordant to produce beautiful colors. Vegetable dyes are primarily earth tones and may be a good choice for rugs, especially those that are traditionally made of wool. Aniline dyes, however, are becoming more common and the Navajo weavers began using them around 1870. Their bright colors helped make the Navajo rug famous worldwide.
They were a problem
Originally from the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico, Navajo aztec woven rugs were a popular item among American Indians. Today, the popularity of the rugs is evident among many Americans. However, there were a number of problems that the weavers faced. During the 19th century, white traders influenced the weaving process, suggesting patterns and providing a market for the finished product. As a result, the quality of the weavings declined.
They are a unique piece of art
If you love the uniqueness of Navajo rugs, you’ve come to the right place. The Pueblo Chieftain’s classifieds recently featured a southwestern rug. The headline said, “A must-have textile.”
