Navajo Rugs & The Past

Navajo rugs, as the name suggests, are woven by the Navajo Indians who live primarily in the area known as the “Four Corners” - where Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona come together. According to Navajo legend, an entity known as Spider Woman taught them the art of weaving and using her instructions they created a loom. Since then, Navajo rugs have been well-known for their beauty and strength.

While the legend may be more interesting, history suggests the Navajo actually learned how to weave from the Pueblo Indians who came to the Four Corners later. Before the Spanish explorers landed in the area, the Navajo were already talented weavers. When the Spanish did arrive in Navajo lands, they raved about their blankets in their letters. That's because it was widely known that the Navajo were the best weavers in the continent, even before the Spanish brought them the wool they eventually began to work in.

Like most traditional rugs, Navajo rugs were just another example of utilitarian weaving. The Navajo people didn't weave to create beautiful art objects to admire; they weaved to create useful items for their homes, primarily blankets.

While the Navajo rugs were created for a useful purpose, the European settlers who began filling up the surrounding areas saw them as a chance to make a significant profit. They would buy up Navajo rugs in the local trading posts, then sale them in large quantities to Europe which couldn't get enough of the beautiful weaving.

As the Navajo rugs became more popular, local groups began to develop their own styles, such as Two Gray Hills, Crystal, Ganado, and others. These styles became associated with certain geographical areas, as a result.

Today, Navajo rugs can be purchased almost anywhere you find fine rugs, and they still preserve the same beautiful weaving of the originals from centuries ago.

View a great selection of navajo rugs here.