Navajo rugs are growing in popularity because of the trend toward Southwestern interior design. An original Navajo rug was made on the reservations incorporating time-honored Navajo designs. There are slight differences between good and exceptional rugs. A good book on Navajo Indian arts and crafts should educate you about recognizing these rugs for their collector's value. There are many deceptive imitations on the market, so be careful when purchasing a Navajo Rug.
When taking into consideration the price of a Navajo rug consider the amount of time required and the skill exhibited by the weaver. This is reflected by the type of wool used, the fineness of the spinning, the tightness of the weave, complexity of the design, color, and size. The compensation for the weaver has been increasing and will continue to increase. This factor, in addition to the retiring of the older, more experienced weavers, and the lack of younger Navajo women taking up the craft, reflects why purchasing a Navajo Rugs is a good investment for the future.
Beware of low-priced imitations that are sold as "Navajo Rugs." The majority of theses come from northern Mexico, and although they are woven by native Mexicans, the rugs seriously lack the quality of a Navajo rug from the looms of Navajo weavers. These inexpensively made Mexican rugs have replaced the traditional Navajo Rugs in many markets. The quality of the rugs produced in Mexico is inferior. They lack the texture and vibrancy of colors of a true Navajo rug. Don't waste your money. Save and buy yourself a true piece of Indian art. A Navajo Rug is more expensive, but you will have made an investment. A truly high-quality rug will only increase in value, while its Mexican counterpart will only be worthy for resale in a garage sale.
To battle piracy and to aid in buyer assurance when purchasing a Navajo rug, some groups of weavers are organizing a certification process wherein a guild-identified "proof of origin" would be woven into, attached or bonded to the Navajo rug. Until then, a photograph of the weaver and the rug, along with their name and address, the date and place of purchase, is the next best thing.
The Navajo Indian Reservation is located in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. This is the largest Indian Reservation in the country, some 16 million acres with over 400,000 Navajos. Each area of the Navajo reservation has its own fashion of rug. The Klagatoh Red is from Klagatoh Arizona, the storm pattern is from Tuba City, Arizona. From the beginning of weaving by the Navajos around 1700, weaving has provided and important economic benefit to the tribe and a fine outlet for their artistic talents. Navajo rugs are made in the weaver's home or hogan on vertical looms using the same methods they have used for the past three hundred years. Around the turn of the century, many of the local traders encouraged their local weavers to weave rugs of similar colors and patterns to make a standard for their particular area of the Reservation.
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