The weaving's value is increased by the use of native Churro sheep wool and hand dying. Every weaving comes with a Churro Certificate, which includes a photograph of the weaver and details about the Navajo rugs. Find out more about the Navajo Churro Collection. There are 28 types of Navajo Rugs. Some Styles are harder to weave than other. Value is affected by the quality and precision of the weave. The more intricate and finer the weave is, the greater the value of the piece. The value of a Navajo Rug will depend on its condition. Consider the condition (is it damaged, clean, straight, or color-run, etc.). Compare the appeal of the weaving to your needs and make a decision. There are times when issues can be fixed – but that is another blog on Care & Repair. Pricing for all Navajo rugs is available on our website. If a price does not appear, it could be either part of the Navajo Churro Collection or an important and valuable Antique or Contemporary Navajo Rug. Any of these pieces will be provided with pricing. I was shocked to see that a 19th century antique Navajo Navajo blanket had been sold at an auction for $1,800,000. "What?!" I thought it to myself, or maybe I said it aloud. "How could this sell for that much money?" It was a plain blanket, no more beautiful or interesting than the mundane Moroccans in our gallery. It looked more like the simple, similarly colored, woven baby blanket I used for years.
Smaller Navajo rugs begin at $100, but they get more expensive as they get larger. Antique Navajo rugs are available in a variety of sizes, from approximately $1,000 up to thousands. The value of historic Navajo rugs may be increased by adding provenance. This could include previous publication history or collection history. Depending on the size, contemporary Navajo rugs range from UNDER 500 to many thousand. Today's Navajo weaving community is shrinking. Many young weavers don't want to learn this ancient Navajo weaving art. It is a tedious and difficult craft. Whether or not you purchase a Navajo Rug will depend on whether you are looking to encourage your young Navajos into weaving.
As with any collecting specialty, there is so much to learn about Navajo weaving that it can seem overwhelming for the beginner. The best way to learn is to look at as many weavings as you can in galleries and museums, and don’t be afraid to ask questions! Soon you’ll be matching the terminology to the weavings and you’ll begin to feel a surge of confidence. When you decide to buy, focus on a reputable dealer who will take time to answer all your questions simply and directly, and make sure they are willing to give you a written guarantee of authenticity. Happy collecting! Navajo rugs have been made for nearly 500 years, but they have recently made their way into homes all over the world. What makes these rugs so unique and sought after? This guide will go over the history of Navajo rugs, the vibrant designs, where to buy them, and how to care for them.
They had multiple uses as both coats and as blankets and showcased a variety of colors and designs. As a result of their durability, versatility, and decorative patterns, Navajo blankets became an item of value. Subsequently, the blankets were pricey. Those with the means, such as tribal chiefs, valued the blankets and wore them often, including for ceremonial reasons, per PBS. As they continued to improve and hone their blanket-weaving skills, the Navajo started to evolve their techniques. It resulted in blankets with more styles and colors, and more elaborate designs — all of which took a dedicated amount of time, says the Traditional Fine Arts Organization. They soon grew their product output from blankets and wraps to rugs, and the demand for both continued to increase. Traders, in particular, drove this demand, and it further influenced regional designs. Eventually, the Navajo even started to feature their gods and spiritual figures in their woven creations. By the 19th century, a Navajo blanket cost around $100 to $150 — that's during a period when men made about $5 a week, according to PBS. Today, people can purchase Navajo blankets or rugs from anywhere between under $500 to several thousand dollars (via Navajo Rug).
Authenticity, Regional characteristics, documentation, and price are just some of the things to look for when buying Native American rugs. Read on to learn how to tell the difference between a traditional rug and a counterfeit one. Then you can make a well-informed decision on whether the piece you’ve just purchased is genuine. There are several other things to look for, too, like the color of the rug and its price.