Rug
ClassificationsTextiles-floor coverings-rugs and mats
Culture
Navajo
Date1900-1910
Made AtUnited States
Collection SiteUnited States
MediumWool and pigment
Dimensions82 × 56 5/8 in. (208.3 × 143.8 cm)
Credit LineGift of Dennis Aigner
Object number2016.12.1
DescriptionThe creation of Navajo rugs shifted to a commercial enterprise in the late 19th century. Despite its modern connotations, the swastika motif has been an auspicious symbol for at least thousands of years. For the Navajo, it was a figurative representation of the ‘whirling logs,’ a commonly depicted sand painting from the Night Chant and together with an axis with two legs—where the swastika instead has four—forms a visual pun of the Navajo mantra, “successfully attaining a ripe old age by daily spiritual renewal according to the universal beauty of the cosmos.” Its use in Navajo textiles was probably more inspired by the introduction of the Asiatic motif by Western traders.It is interesting to note that this rug’s swastikas go in both directions. No information regarding a ‘proper’ direction for the whirling log’s hooks to be oriented could be found, but research suggests that presenting the designs in two directions implies the detachment of the symbol from its original religious meaning. It is interesting to note that the colors used in this rug are characteristic of those used at the Hubbell Trading post in Ganado. Hubbell’s most importance innovation in dictating Navajo designs was the Hubbell Cross, a plain Greek cross. Four of these crosses are seen on this rug. Also, the whirling logs and strong border point to influence of the style developed at Crystal Trading Post.
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