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Not every Navajo weaving contains lazy lines. When the Navajo weaver works on a rug, she puts her soul, her energy, her spirit into it. When the weaving is completed, the belief is the energy and spirit woven into the rug must be released so the weaver will have the energy and spirit to continue weaving other rugs.
What is my Indian rug worth?
The value of a Navajo rug will depend on a few factors, such as how large it is, how old it is, how tight the weaving is, the style, what dyes were used, and what condition it is in. Navajo rugs can range anywhere from $100 for a small one, to several thousand dollars for a large and old one.
How much are old Indian blankets worth?
Antique Navajo rugs, depending on size can range from around $1,000 up to many thousands. Provenance can also add value to historic Navajo rugs, for example, previous collection history, or prior publication, etc.
Do authentic Navajo rugs have fringe?
Almost all Navajo rugs are made from wool threads, which appear rougher in texture than cotton or linen. Fringe and ridges along the edge of the rug typically indicate a fake. Warp threads that have been cut and run back into the rug will create ridges on the ends. Almost all Navajo rugs are made without fringe.
Until about the 1820s, the Navajo made simple striped blankets identical to the Pueblo. These blankets, which the Ute Indians prized (hence the reference to them as Ute-style) are most valued by Navajo blanket collectors today, in large part because of their rarity.
Which Native American tribes made rugs?
Navajo weaving, blankets and rugs made by the Navajo and thought to be some of the most colourful and best-made textiles produced by North American Indians. The Navajo, formerly a seminomadic tribe, settled in the southwestern United States in the 10th and 11th centuries and were well established by 1500.
What are Native American rugs called?
Navajo rugs
Navajo rugs and blankets (Navajo: diyogí) are textiles produced by Navajo people of the Four Corners area of the United States. Navajo textiles are highly regarded and have been sought after as trade items for over 150 years.
What is a Germantown rug?
Also produced during this time were “Germantown” Navajo rugs woven from 3 ply or 4 ply machine spun wool yarn, usually on machine spun plied cotton warp. The name “Germantown” comes from the area near Philadelphia, Pa where much of the yarn was milled. These Germantown rugs were intricately styled and very colorful.
It is possible to see selvage lines in a photograph. Continuous warp, lazy lines and selvage lines are three of the best ways to help identify an authentic Navajo rug.
Where did the tradition of making rugs come from?
In many ways, the story of antique Native American rugs (sometimes referred to as American Indian rugs) began with traditional Navajo blankets. Weaving among Native Americans first began with the Pueblo people more than 1,000 years ago. Between…
What kind of warp does a Navajo rug have?
Navajo rugs usually have a wool warp. If you’re not an expert in fibers, it may be difficult for you to tell what kind of warp was used, but in general cotton and linen are smoother than wool. Wool is, well, wooly.
What kind of wool did the Navajo use?
Wool is, well, wooly. As you can see from the picture at the right, it has little fibers that stick out from the warp threads. Remember that there is one genuine Navajo rug (the Gallup throw) that is woven with a cotton warp.