Rug
ClassificationsTextiles-floor coverings-rugs and mats
Culture
Navajo
Datec. 1900
Made AtArizona, United States
MediumWool
Dimensions58 × 77 in. (147.3 × 195.6 cm)
Credit LineGift of Dennis J. Aigner
Object number2014.10.4
DescriptionRugs from the late 19th century were designed for trading purposes and as such lost much of the early design and craftsmanship present in Navajo blankets from previous times. This is underscored by the fact that two-thirds of the blankets the Navajo wove in the 1890s were produced for nontribal use. Because demand for these rugs increased, traders encouraged the weavers to employ different stylistic elements like the border which was used to frame the central designs. The bright colors that were so often used to weave blankets were reduced significantly and replaced with more of wool’s natural tones. Although the exact time period is unclear, it was at some point during this period that the weavings of the Navajo began to be used as and referred to as rugs and not blankets. This was reflected in weavings being produced in a wide variety of sizes and heavier weights.On View
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