Rug
ClassificationsTextiles-floor coverings-rugs and mats
Culture
Navajo
Date1905-1920
Made AtArizona, United States, North America
MediumDyed wool
Dimensions88 × 67 in. (223.5 × 170.2 cm)
Credit LineGift of Dennis Aigner
Object number2016.12.2
DescriptionThis rug is likely to have been made near the Ganado Trading Post, particularly during the time period in which John Lorenzo Hubbell oversaw the post. The post is famous for being very influential in the evolution of Navajo weaving. Hubbell purchased the trading post in 1878 after the Navajo, who were exiled by the United States government, were allowed to return to their lands. Hubbell consistently demanded high quality rugs to trade and also encouraged the Navajo to weave thick borders into their rugs, to make them more appealing to White customers. The style that developed at this post, known as Ganado style, is interesting as Hubbell strongly encouraged his weavers to copy ‘traditional’ Navajo designs from watercolor paintings. Hubbell took great personal interest in steering designs. Interestingly enough, despite his invisible hand he is known for being a purist of Navajo design; something it is evident he believed as he said he had “been at the greatest pains to perpetuate the old patterns.”On View
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