So you want to buy a Navajo rug, or maybe you want to start collecting, but your new to the idea and don’t know if the price is right?
How do you know if it’s an authentic Navajo rug or not?
How do you know how much to pay for this rug?
Here are six steps you should follow which will help you learn a it more about the Navajo buying process.
Rule Number 1
Inspect the weave. Is the design consistent from one end to the other, and is the width the same? Are the main vertical and horizontal lines true? Is the tightness of the weaving consistent at both ends of the rug?
Buying and collecting authentic Navajo rugs can be fun and rewarding, whether you are just starting out or are a serious collector of other types of rugs already.
Be positive that what you’re buying is a genuine Navajo rug. You can always ask were the rug was made. The answer to this should be the Two Grey Hills Trading Post in Tohatchi, New Mexico. It is said to be the primary source of authentic Navajo rugs today.
Rule Number 3
Find out the rug artist’s tribal affiliation before purchasing the rug. An example of this would be, the Indian Arts and Crafts Association recommends knowing whether a piece is made by a member or certified Indian artisan of the Navajo Nation.
Rule Number 4
Take a note of how the rug is mad. In all Navajo rugs, there is a thread running lengthwise which is continuous. In weaving terms, this is coined the warp thread.
Rule Number 5
Prices for Navajo rugs have sky rocketed in the last five years, partially because there is a lowering amount of skilled weavers, and fewer younger Navajos are wanting to learn the skill. Older Navajo rugs are sought after. Hence why you will hear of a lot of Navajo rug collectors, it is a very profitable market.
Rule Number 6
Remember that small rugs are still not very cheap, usually going for $100 USD. You should be very suspicious about a rug’s origin if you’re offered a large Navajo rug for anything less then $700 USD.
So you now you know enough to be able to purchase a quality Navajo rug. How do you maintain it?
Here are Eight Rules for Looking After your Navajo Rug:
Rule Number 1
If your using your rug as a carpet, be sure to check out a carpet cushion. Carpet cushions are now to increase a rugs lifespan by up to five years. The best to use is a plastic foam that will not push color into the rug or onto the floor and will offer great traction protection. I strongly advice not to use a rubber, felt or waffle pad as they will do more harm to the rug then good.
Rule Number 2
Every once in a while flip the Navajo rug over so it will give an evenly distributed wear. Make sure you flip end to end, since most likely sun will be fading the rug in an inconsistent fashion.
Rule Number 3
Navajo rugs number one enemy are moths. Make sure you Inspect the rugs periodically for any holes and other insect damage.
Rule Number 4
Normal vacuum is perfectly fine for cleaning and will keep a Navajo rug in great condition for years. Some of my heavily used rugs have waited ten years before their first adventure to the dry cleaners.
Rule Number 5
Clean your rug immediately if there are any spills. A nice rule of thumb, the quicker the clean, the less the mess.
Rule Number 6
If you have kitties or dogs make sure they are either locked out of your Navajo rug room or you toilet train them. Urine is close to impossible to remove from your rug.
Rule Number 7
Do not let your rug get wet. But if it does, time is crucial make sure that it dries in the shortest possible time. Use towels, heaters, fans, anything you can get your hands on.
Rule Number 8
If your rug has obvious dirt or stains that you cannot get rid of only go to an expert cleaner with knowledge of Navajo rugs. Do not go to your local dry cleaners or cleaned by any automated means.
Jean Lynn
May 26, 2008
Hi Lorenzo,
Thanks for telling me about your new rugs website. Looking great. Good luck!
Cheers,
Chilly Bean
November 12, 2008
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