What kind of rug? (#2)

I'm thinking this is in the "Yei style", but not actually NA. Seem to recall something about fringe on the side being a red flag. Approx 3ft across. Thanks!

 

If a rug is woven with fringe on both ends, it is a sign it is not Navajo.

Fringe on one end only is found on Navajo Gallup Throws, a specific type of small (usually about 18" x 30"), inexpensive, quickly produced souvenir rugs, that originally were woven around the Gallup area in New Mexico. The earlier ones were done with cotton warp. This is a Navajo Gallup Throw, with a Yei pattern, and probably dates ca. 1950's.

The only other exception to the "no fringe" rule is some old Germantown Navajo rugs and some saddle blankets, but in both cases, the fringe is added on as a decorative element, after the rug is woven.

It's good to question the authenticity, though, since the Yei pattern is probably the most frequently copied Navajo design by Mexican weavers. But they will be woven with fringe on both ends...although the fringe is often woven back into the body of the rug to hide it, or the ends are bound off, or finished in a way to hide the fact that they were woven on a mechanized floor loom, and not on an authentic Navajo loom. In that case, beware if the rug has a single, thick, twisted cord sticking out of each corner...a sure sign of a Mexican fake. Navajo rugs will have yarn loops in the corners.

 

Thank you, Taupou. Was hoping you would take a look. Your expertise is greatly appreciated. Finger's crossed I'm starting to get the hang of what is what with these rugs. Being in CO, they do turn up from time to time.

I'm glad I picked it up (even with foggy memory about the fringe.) Only problem with this one, it is somewhat dirty in spots. My sense is that it was used on the floor. No holes or anything, but will need to be cleaned, I guess I'll leave that to the new owner.

 

I definitely wouldn't try any cleaning, which is best left to professionals who specialize specifically in cleaning Navajo rugs (which rules out a local dry cleaner or well-meaning friend

 

Thank you. Good to know. Will keep that in mind!

 

Taupou, thank you for being so detailed in your answers. I never buy anything like this but I think I may take a chance now that I know what to look for.

Many years ago, I purchased a couple of Mexican saddle blankets when I was in Mexico to use as saddle blankets. I can't count how many people were appalled because they thought I was using Native American blankets. That was one of the reasons I stayed away.