How long does it take to weave a Navajo rug?
about 2 to 3 months
How long does it take to weave a Navajo rug? It takes about 2 to 3 months for an average weave 4′ x 6′ rug, or 5 to 6 months for an exceptional weaving. There are no shortcuts when using the traditional weaving process. Each Navajo rug is all hand woven on an a traditional upright loom.
How did Navajos weave?
According to Navajo tradition, they were taught to weave by two holy ones: Spider Man and Spider Woman. The legend says that Spider Man created the loom of sunshine, lightning and rain, while Spider Woman taught the Navajo how to weave it. Navajo woman using a vertical, or upright loom.
How many wefts are used in Navajo rug weaving?
Most Navajo rugs have approximately 30 wefts to the linear inch. A weft count of 50 per inch is a high quality rug. A count of 80 or more qualifies a rug as a tapestry. Two or more yarns that twist about each other while interlacing with and reinforcing a fabric’s edge.
How does a Navajo loom work?
The loom is usually set up outdoors with the vertical warp strung between heavy logs suspended from trees or a wooden frame. The rug is woven by passing the weft over and under the warp threads and beating it down securely with a wooden comb. Heddles attached to every other thread open a shed to pass the weft through.
Why are Navajo blankets worth so much?
These blankets, which the Ute Indians prized (hence the reference to them as Ute-style) are most valued by Navajo blanket collectors today, in large part because of their rarity. Less than 50 of these first-phase blankets, made until roughly 1865, survive.
What are the Navajo famous for weaving?
Navajo rugs and blankets (Navajo: diyogí) are textiles produced by Navajo people of the Four Corners area of the United States. Navajo textiles are highly regarded and have been sought after as trade items for over 150 years.
What is an escape line on a textile?
This line is called ch’ihónít’i, which translates as “spirit line”. They believe that when weaving a rug, the weaver entwines a part of her being into the cloth. The spirit line allows the weaver’s trapped spirit to escape when they’re done with the textile manufacturing.
What is my Navajo rug worth?
Value of Navajo Rugs Navajo rugs can range anywhere from $100 for a small one, to several thousand dollars for a large and old one. When it comes to size, the larger the rug is, the longer it takes to weave. This will increase the price, the larger the rug is. The largest rugs can take up to three years to make.
How to weave a Navajo Rug?
√ Never “whip” or use a beater bar on Navajo textiles. √ Do use a smooth floor attachment to vacuum your rug by hand. √ Turn and or rotate the weaving from time to time to help with even wear. If your weaving does need an overall cleaning, you can use a foam rug cleaner for wool rugs offered by Woolite or OxiClean.
How much does a Navajo Rug cost?
These weavings typically have a moderate value. Not necessarily a valuable family heirloom, but a warm reminder of who passed it down. Today’s Contemporary Navajo rugs, can range from UNDER $500 up to many thousands of dollars. The number of Navajo weavers working today is dwindling.
Is Navajo weaving represent anything in their culture?
Weaving plays a role in the creation myth of Navajo cosmology, which articulates social relationships and continues to play a role in Navajo culture.
How to buy a Navajo Rug?
– Instead of cleaning it in a washing machine, use a steam cleaner or iron. – Turn or rotate the threads occasionally. – Avoid using wide vacuum attachments to vacuum the rug. – Avoid beating the rug with a beater bar. – Avoid placing the rug in direct sunlight for long periods of time.