Rugs - Authentic? Modern Day? Fakes?

These are not easy to get to and there was no room to open them in the house so the pictures are very limited, but I thought I would go ahead and share in case y'all see something that says, yep that's absolutely not a authentic rug..

Once they get opened up I'll get more pictures If yall need

Im trying to grasp the world of Navajo rug making through videos and websites but I learn best with visual hands on accounts.

This first rug, it has some fraying down the side. I can't quite grasp how the Navajo finished off the sides. Pictures I look at on the internet or videos just kind of gloss over..
I think it is more of a newer piece.
The white underneath is still white.
This rug does carry some weight to it though..



I know this is not Navajo, but I'm not sure what..

 

The tan one looks Mexican to me, but I'm no expert.

 

Well, the first one is absolutely not an authentic Navajo rug, nor is the second. The Navajo use a unique type of loom and weaving technique, which results in a rug with selvedge edges on all four sides. The edges are never bound off like on the first rug, or woven with fringe on both ends, like on the second.

The stiff braids sticking out of the corners are a positive indication that it is not Navajo. Navajo rugs will have a loop, and two cut ends of yarn in each corner. Sometimes the loop is cut, giving four cut ends of yarn. But they are never braided or twisted together.

An authentic Navajo rug will not have thick edges. The side edges will consist of only one or two warp threads, of the same thickness as the rest of the rug. A "bundle" of three or more cords is a sure sign that it is not Navajo.

The best reference that clearly explains and shows how a Navajo rug is woven, is probably the small booklet "Genuine Navajo Rug" by Noel Bennett, published by the Indian Arts and Crafts Association.

I'd be very cautious about researching on the web, as there is much misinformation out there. A couple I would recommend, however, would be:

http://navajorugrepair.com/fake.htm

http://weavinginbeauty.com/navajo-rug-101/how-to-identify-navajo-textiles

 

Thank you! I did feel like i was getting conflicting info..

Im going to look over the links you sent and look into that book!

 

Hey SeaGoat....I'll give you a "C note" for that basket right now !

Ahemmm...what I mean to say is while you're looking at fake rugs and fake totems...you might just be walking bye hundreds in baskets....that you're seeing as not worth your time !

Gather up the ones you see and do the basket post....Taupou & I will love you for it !!

 

There are a good many split oak baskets
Theres also a big native basket with a bunch of smaller baskets inside it

 

Now that's what I'm talkin bout !!! !!

 

I'll try and get good pictures next time we go over there

 

The two small baskets with pointed lids are African, made by the Tutsi in Rwanda. Unfortunately, they don't sell for very much.

The two big ones on top do look good, if there isn't any damage. I specialize more in Native American baskets, so other people here on the forum would be more likely to be able to help on those and the split oak baskets. I'd definitely be interested in seeing photos of the possible tribal baskets, though.

 

Ooooopsy.....that pic was to show I collect that type of basket !!

The Tutsi baskets are pre genocide......& very collectible .


a gallery asking $900 for this one..........just as an example.....

 

I apologize, I didn't realize that wasn't the photo being discussed! I'm not on my home computer right now, and flipping back and forth on a small screen becomes confusing. I'd better wait until I get home before I venture any more comments!

 

No worries !!