Native American Navajo Rugs; Creations of Art

Navajo rugs are one of the most popular forms of Indian rug designs in the world today. Their popularity has stemmed from their colorful palette and symbolic, sometimes meditative, design patterns.

History of the Navajo Rugs

Navajo rugs came into creation in the 1700's and the period from their initial appearance through to the mid-1800's is often known as the “Classic Period” for the Navajo rug's design development. In the 17th century, the Pueblo Indians began the detailed weavings, which were later influenced by the arrival of the Spaniards in the mid-1800's. At this time, the colorations used were expanded to please the tastes of the newcomers. Navajo rugs are the most recognized Native American art in America.

Originally, the Indians came from Mexico and other Southwestern states and their patterns of design were created through the use of a frame-style loom, which allowed for the passing of a shuttlecock through the fibers alternately to create the art. 

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Patterns Popular to the Navajo Rug

Coloration and patterning are integral to the overall design of the art within a Navajo rug. The creators of these pieces were very influenced by the use of shapes and geometric forms, and they were especially fond of using stripes and diagonal ripples in their workmanship. These shapes often took the form of animals and of elements around them such as the sun, and were not always completely abstract in their detailing. One of the beautiful things about a Navajo rug is the displaying of parts of the world around them often shown in bright colors and detailed weavings.

Uses of the Original Navajo Rugs

While these rugs nowadays tend to be used as a decorative accent to a room, they were originally created for a variety of uses. They were of course used as floor coverings, but also blankets, both for the Indians themselves and also for their horses. The rugs served to keep the horses warm and as a form of saddle rug to protect their skin from the wearing elements of the saddle. The Native Americans also used them as wall hangings or as decorative elements to their domains, and one of the main purposes behind the development of these rugs was developed as interest continued to grow from the world around them. These rugs became a great element in the trading of the Indians and created revenue or provided materials they needed to prosper within their own societies.

So Navajo rugs have developed into a very desired form of artwork as well as beautiful functionality within our modern world today. Older Navajo rugs of course show the beginnings of the cultures and societies from which they sprang from and help us to see how they viewed their world as well as their art. Navajo rugs are very durable and thus desired for their ability to withstand everyday use as well, and this only adds to their value and to the demand for both the older and the newer designs.