Rug
ClassificationsTextiles-floor coverings-rugs and mats
Culture
Navajo
Datec. 1910
Made AtNew Mexico, United States, North America
MediumWool and pigment
Dimensions48 × 68 1/2 in. (121.9 × 174 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mr. Dennis Aigner
Object number2019.21.1
DescriptionThis is a Navajo rug dated to 1910. The narrow end bands, reflective of earlier blanket influence, and wide white border with various motifs, reflective of experimentation typical of earlier rugs, combined with a diverse selection of interior motifs show both creativity and storytelling, a freedom for weavers after the transitional period. This object has storm pattern influences overall, which were first catalogued in 1903. The brown and orange pigments of this rug are particularly unique as by 1900 Navajo rugs were weaved with all natural colors of wool, with red being the only exception. The border suggests the rug weavers were influenced by the transitional period, where borders appeased the non-Navajo traders as they believed the border centered the artwork, whereas the Navajo belief suggested borders to be contrary to the endlessly expanding designs of earlier textiles. However, many transitional blankets or rugs adopted the use of commercial cotton string, whereas this particular object makes use of hand spun wool yarns, further paying homage to earlier influence.On View
Not on view
