Traditional Navajo Rug Patterns

The burntwater navajo rug style was developed by don jacobs in the late 1960s.

Traditional navajo rug patterns.

The design s roots are in the traditional banded chief stripe pattern which evolved into a nine element layout. Navajo textiles are highly regarded and have been sought after as trade items for over 150 years. Many of these navajo rug patterns exhibit a fourfold symmetry which is thought to embody traditional ideas about harmony. Commercial production of handwoven blankets and rugs has been an important element of the navajo economy.

The resulting rugs were not literal copies of older pieces but were creative variations on banded designs using a wide palette of newly developed vegetal dye colors made from indigenous plants as well as new subtly colored chemical dyes. The reversible jacquard has two dramatically different looks. They included two gray hills teec nos pos ganado red dominated patterns with black and white crystal oriental and persian styles wide ruins chinlee banded geometric patterns klagetoh diamond type patterns red mesa and bold diamond patterns. Two grey hills rugs are woven of natural handspun wool in neutral.

The impetus behind this trend came primarily from anglo collectors traders and government agencies that had a sincere desire to upgrade the quality of navajo weaving and return to traditional pre rug patterns. Originating from the two grey hills trading post these navajo rugs are celebrated for their high quality and intricate patterns. A pattern inspired by mid to late 19th century native american weaving traditions and the influence of spanish missionaries in the southwest. The colors are warm rich colors of brown mustard tan and rust accented by rose green blue lilac and white.