Why Are Navajo Rugs So Expensive?
You may be wondering why Navajo rugs are so expensive, and if you’re not sure why they’re worth the price, then read on to discover why they’re so worth it! As a statement piece for any fine art collection, Navajo rugs are truly unique. They’re also a great value, and you can even buy an entire collection from someone who has given them to you.
Navajo rugs are an art form
Navajo rugs are famous for their unique diagonal lines. In order to make these rugs, Navajo weavers would sit on the floor in front of the loom, and weave from the bottom up until the top of the segment. Some rugs are woven with overstuffing, while others are made with knock warp. Regardless of how they are made, Navajo rugs are truly works of art.
Early Navajo rug-weavers used natural colors like ochre and terracotta to create their creations. Later, the weavers would modify these designs and use different motifs from different regions. The patterns used on Navajo rugs became more complex and sophisticated as they moved away from the traditional motifs and were influenced by changing tastes and styles. They were originally created by Juan Lorenzo Hubbell, a leading trader during the early period of rug-making. He lived in Ganado, Arizona, and operated from a trading post in Canyon de Chelly.
They are a statement-making addition to any fine art collection
Navajo Rugs are an excellent choice for interior decorating. They look beautiful alongside a variety of decorative styles and go especially well with earthy materials. For instance, a hand-woven Navajo rug looks great near a leather couch. Leather in a rich, luxurious shade works well with traditional Navajo Indian rugs. Here are a few decorating ideas to inspire you to add a Navajo rug to your home.
Navajo weavers have been weaving pictorial rugs since the 19th century. The popularity of these rugs skyrocketed after the end of World War II. Earlier pictorial rugs incorporated geometric design and feathers on the ground, while later artists started filling a runner with one pictorial scene. A great example of a pictorial rug is the Navajo tree of life, featuring a cornstalk emerging from a Navajo wedding basket and birds perched on its leaves. Navajo rugs celebrate the natural world, reminding users to live in harmony with the elements and the seasons.
They are a product of the western man’s mind
Despite the ostensible value of Navajo Rugs, they are products of the western man’s mind. The dichotomy between sacred and profane impedes our understanding of the nuances of Navajo weaving. Moreover, our rigid adherence to the dualism of sacred/profane impairs our ability to appreciate the complexities of patterning.
Navajo rugs were crafted by native people from the Two Grey Hills trading post, which is located near the common boundary point between Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. The Two Grey Hills trading post was the site of many important weavings without dyes. Rather, Navajo weavers spun and combed the natural colors of the sheep’s wool and then created geometric patterns, which included multi-colored borders and large hooked central diamonds. Often, weavers used small-diameter wool with very tight weaves.
They are easy to transport
Most Navajo rugs are made from wool or cotton. The warp and weft are the length and width of the hand-woven rug. The fringe tassels are the warps. Very few authentic Navajo rugs are made of synthetic yarn. Modern-day varieties, however, use a combination of synthetics and wool. The size and weight of a Navajo rug will determine its shipping requirements.
Unlike other types of rugs, Navajo rugs are lightweight and easy to transport. The quality of weaving makes them more expensive. Also, they are not intended as a curio. Often, rugs can be returned if they are not suitable for your home. However, most retail outlets have good turnover rates. For this reason, you should choose a rug wisely. Navajo rugs are not worth spending more than you can afford.
