Navajo Rugs – Create a Southwestern Theme with a Navajo Rug

Navajo rugs are a traditional rug woven by Native Americans in beautiful earthy tones to create distinctive patterns perfect for a southwestern theme. Navajo rugs were originally quite unique to certain regions, however this is less so today with many designs based on the individual style of a particular designer.

Genuine Navajo rugs are hand woven on a loom and as such each individual rug is a unique piece of art. Although a genuine Navajo rug may be expensive, you will be purchasing a unique rug that will be a valued investment for years to come.

If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to a genuine rug then Navajo ‘style’ rugs based on traditional Native American designs will still create the look you are after and at a fraction of the cost.

Navajo style rugs are perfectly suited to a southwestern décor with their vibrant earthy tones to complement a myriad of decors particularly those with a modern contemporary feel.

The Navajo Indians produced rugs for many hundreds of years, however, once the Spaniards began to penetrate into the Southwest from Mexico, the Navajo fled into the canyons and added sheep herding to their farming lifestyle. The Navajo continued the art of rug weaving and integrated into the rugs, the wool from the Churro sheep that had been obtained from the Spanish herds.

Navajo rugs were often worn as blankets and were a prized item by cowboys as the lanolin in the wool kept out the rain and kept in the warmth.

It is believed that the Navajo Indians learned their weaving skills from the Pueblo Indians in the late 1600’s. However Navajo legend states that their knowledge of weaving comes from Spider Woman, a mythical Navajo deity.

Navajo rugs also make beautiful wall hangings that will enhance any room. Each design is unique and based on the talents and ideas of the individual artist. There are many examples of these beautiful rugs on the internet and if you find a particular artist whose work you really admire, you are able to commission area rugs made by that artist.

Related posts:

1. Southwestern Rugs and Navajo rugs
2. Shag Rugs: Wool and Leather Shag Rugs
3. Tapestries: An Old Art for Modern Times
4. Shaw Rugs
5. Handmade and Machine Manufactured Oriental and Persian Rugs

Tagged with: Area Rugs • indian rugs • navajo rugs • southwestern rugs • Wall Hangings

Filed under: Indoor Rugs • Wall Hangings

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