Where Are Navajo Rugs Made?
Whether you’re considering purchasing a Navajo rug for your home or looking to add a new look to your existing decor, it’s helpful to understand where these rugs were made. This article discusses the styles and production processes, as well as the market for Navajo rugs. In addition, you’ll discover why these pieces are so popular and how to find the best one for your needs.
Navajo rug styles
Navajo rugs are known for their intricate design and colorful patterns. The rug style resembles the Persian rug, with its broad border filled with intricate motifs. These rugs tend to be large and feature many diagonal lines and zigzags. Some designs are based on animals, while others are made with motifs inspired by plants. Here is a look at some of the different styles of Navajo rugs.
Navajo weavers are renowned for their finely spun wool, which allows for tight woven rugs with strong geometric patterns. Initially, Navajo weavers used sheep’s wool for their rugs, which were available for sale in the surrounding area. They also made these rugs in the style of tapestry rugs. Traders also played an important role in the development of Navajo rugs, which became increasingly similar to their Eastern counterparts.
Navajo rug production
Navajo rugs are made from wool and work. While the dye is optional, this fiber is the primary raw material. Navajo rugs are usually made of the long-fibered wool from the back of the sheep. The wool is shorn and washed in the sun before weaving. Navajo rugs are characterized by smooth and high-quality weaves. Traditionally, Navajo rugs have been produced in small batches since the 1850s.
The Navajo wool meets all the requirements for good weaving wool. The fiber diameter of Navajo wool is 16/x to 5sfx, and only 0.4 percent of Navajo wool is larger than 50/x. Navajo wool is also free of kemp. Fibers of the outer coat and undercoat are approximately the same length, with a mean length of 17.3 cm and a width of 10 cm. Navajo wool has a shrinkage of 46 percent.
Navajo rug market
The Navajo rug market has remained relatively flat during the recession, but Blair says that the number of attendees at his regional auctions is increasing. In fact, the last two sales he has held have brought in over $100,000. A successful sale in Blair’s auction house is an indication of the market’s recovery, and the key to its continued growth will be to attract younger buyers. Sadly, many older buyers are no longer interested in buying expensive rugs, and new younger bidders can revitalize the market for many years to come.
During the Transitional Period of the early 20th century, rugs began to feature diamonds of color at the center and ends of the wide stripes. The diamonds began as full-sized diamonds in the center, and smaller ones at the corners and the middle of border bands. By the 1870s, diamond motifs were bigger and more detailed, and they often replaced the black and white stripes as the primary design elements.
