Navajo Rugs
1930's Navajo Duality Symbol Rug (#54)
$800.00
There is something warm, fuzzy and wonderful about an old, hand-woven, Navajo rug. To know that some hard-working individual sheared the sheep, cleaned, carded and spun the wool is amazing because the job is so labor intensive. This particular textile has some age on it. It was woven sometime in the 1930's and then put away. There is absolutely no wear on this rug. It’s in pristine condition. Duality crosses pertain directly to the basis of Navajo culture, which are Hozho, harmony and balance. Nothing could be more closely associated to Navajo tradition than this piece of art.
Related legends:
Symbolism
The hoop ceremonies of the Navajo have been compared by anthropologists to mandalas, Paleolithic sunwheels, or "magic circles." Spruce, willow, and other hoops represent the four passages of man through the four elemental worlds. They are also symbolic of the four directions, the four sacred mountains, the four-cornered construct of the human family mother, father, son, daughter and the four stages of human life? More about this legend
1950's Hand Spun Wool Naslini Corn Rug (#34)
$850.00
Navajo Rugs
59" x 38"
To the Navajo, corn is the fruit of life. Images of the corn plant stand as a metaphor for connections to the past, present and future along with perceptions of the upward moving way. This fun and fluffy, 1960's era textile comes to us through a Nevada estate sale. It is completely hand spun and is accented with vegetable dyes. Navajo rugs don't get any earthier or homegrown than this.
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Related legends:
Weaving
After the medicine woman told the people about the prayersticks she told them that there was a place in the underworld where two rivers crossed. It was called ni tqin'kae tsosi, fine fiber cotton (Indian hemp). There were two persons who brought the seed of that plant, they were spiders. They said that the people were to use the plant instead of skins for their clothing. So this seed was planted in the earth? More about this legend
1960's Crystal Rug (#27)
$950.00
Navajo Rugs
49 1/2" x 40 1/2"
Hand-spun rugs are an anachronism. They are so labor intensive it is a wonder they are ever woven. And these days they are often not. This fine example was woven in the 1960s and features natural wool and plant dyes, nothing unnatural. The rug can be used on the floor or on the wall. It will be great anywhere.
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every purchase.
Related legends:
Crystals
First Man burned a crystal for a fire. The crystal belonged to the male and was the symbol of the mind and of clear seeing. When First Man burned it, it was the mind's awakening? More about this legend
Navajo Biil Dress Weaving - Nellie Dean (#02)
$4,375.00
Artist: Nellie Dean
Navajo Rugs
48" x 55"
Navajo weaver Nellie Dean, of Cove, Arizona wove this marvelous woman's manta. The design replicates a classic period of Navajo woman dress patterns with Puebloan influence. The natural indigo and cochineal colors are hand-dyed, as are the aniline colors. The white is completely natural. The warp and weft wool is from the Churro sheep.
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About the artist:
Related legends:
Weaving
After the medicine woman told the people about the prayersticks she told them that there was a place in the underworld where two rivers crossed. It was called ni tqin'kae tsosi, fine fiber cotton (Indian hemp). There were two persons who brought the seed of that plant, they were spiders. They said that the people were to use the plant instead of skins for their clothing. So this seed was planted in the earth? More about this legend
Navajo Burntwater Weaving - Ruth Nelwood (#01)
$3,600.00
Artist: Ruth Nelwood
Navajo Rugs
Burntwater
47" x 35"
Burntwater rugs were created to bring out the best features of the Navajo weaving art. The focus is on fineness of weave, exacting symmetry and a wide ranging palate of pastel colors derived from Navajoland herself. Navajo artist Ruth Nelwood has fashioned a rug worthy of the Burntwater classification. She presents beauty, balance, a superior weave and a soft, delicate sense of the earth and sky through her fiber art. This rug is a portrait of what is fascinating and endearing about the people of the desert Southwest
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Related legends:
Weaving
After the medicine woman told the people about the prayersticks she told them that there was a place in the underworld where two rivers crossed. It was called ni tqin'kae tsosi, fine fiber cotton (Indian hemp). There were two persons who brought the seed of that plant, they were spiders. They said that the people were to use the plant instead of skins for their clothing. So this seed was planted in the earth? More about this legend
Navajo Butterflies Pictorial Rug - Helena Begay (#67)
$875.00
Artist: Helena Begay
Navajo Rugs
26" x 30 3/4"
Butterflies have inspired artists from every culture. This is certainly the case with Navajo artist Helena Begay. Helena sees the butterfly as a teacher and mentor in the process of progressive awareness and understanding. The "upward moving way" suggests there is much to know and room to grow, and Helena expresses that sentiment through her charming and attractively woven textiles. Grow forth!
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Related legends:
Butterfly in Navajo Traditional Stories
Butterfly: Due to the natural beauty of its wings, Butterfly is often considered vain. Yet, in Navajo mythology, Butterfly brings the sacred flint to the hooves of the horse. In the legend of the diety, Butterfly Boy was cured of his vanity by being lightning struck with the axe of Rain Boy. After that, his head opened up and out of it came the butterflies of the world. The perishable dust of Butterfly's wings is sometimes thought to prove that such beauty is usually not durable.
Elvie Vanwinkle
Navajo Chief Revival Rug - Elvie Vanwinkle (#01)
$1,350.00
Navajo Chief Revival Rug - Elvie Vanwinkle (#01)
$1,350.00
Artist: Elvie Vanwinkle
24" x 24"
Elvie Van Winkle is an extraordinary rug weaver. Her weave is flawless and her patterns are super crisp and clean. In the good old days, the Chief pattern was the blanket of choice for high-ranking personages of nearby tribes. Everyone who was anyone wanted a Navajo Chief Blanket to express his or her status. Elvie has taken the chief pattern to a much higher level of expertise than most weavers can accomplish. This rug is an excellent example of a classic design with a quality weave.
About the artist:
Related legends:
Chief Rug
Navajo Circle Eyedazzler Rug - Rolanda Begay (#01)
$330.00
Artist: Rolanda Begay
Navajo Rug
18" x 19"
A round eyedazzler? Now that is rare indeed! Navajo weaver Rolanda Begay is one of the few rug makers to attempt this unusual format, and one of the few to get it right. This rug is a true rounder: full, complete and final.
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Related legends:
Weaving
After the medicine woman told the people about the prayersticks she told them that there was a place in the underworld where two rivers crossed. It was called ni tqin'kae tsosi, fine fiber cotton (Indian hemp). There were two persons who brought the seed of that plant, they were spiders. They said that the people were to use the plant instead of skins for their clothing. So this seed was planted in the earth? More about this legend
Gabriel Benally
Navajo Eyedazzler Rug - Gabriel Benally (#17)
$1,500.00
Navajo Eyedazzler Rug - Gabriel Benally (#17)
$1,500.00
Artist: Gabriel Benally
40" x 63"
Gabriel Benally loves to weave Navajo rugs, and he has spent years developing his skills. Storm patterns and eye-dazzlers are his specialty and he has become a master at weaving these styles. In this case Gabriel has once again chosen to amaze us with the eye-dazzler and used the classic Ganado red, black, grey and white color scheme. This one will indeed dazzle your eyes. We always enjoy seeing Gabe and love having his rugs to brighten the store.
About the artist:
Related legends:
Weaving
After the medicine woman told the people about the prayersticks she told them that there was a place in the underworld where two rivers crossed. It was called ni tqin'kae tsosi, fine fiber cotton (Indian hemp). There were two persons who brought the seed of that plant, they were spiders. They said that the people were to use the plant instead of skins for their clothing. So this seed was planted in the earth? More about this legend
Navajo Four Directional Yeis Rug - Jean Yazzie (#003)
$2,250.00
Artist: Jean Yazzie
A yei’i is a Navajo holy person. As early as the mid-1800’s, Navajo weavers were placing pictorial elements into their weavings. Yei’i figures first appeared in Navajo weavings before the turn of the twentieth century. Considered highly controversial because of their sacred imagery, Navajo weavers nonetheless persisted in incorporating these religious figures into their rugs.
Four areas of influence contributed to the development of Navajo yei and yeibichai weavings. In the early 1900’s, Yanapah, a Navajo weaver married to trader Richard Simpson and living near Farmington, New Mexico, started weaving large single and double figure vertical yei rugs.
Another area of influence in northwest New Mexico came from the Newcomb Trading Post’s partnership with a prominent medicine man named Hastiin Klah who was responsible for the creation of rugs depicting Navajo sandpainting designs. Highly controversial because of their sacred depictions, Klah’s weavings nonetheless had a tremendous influence on weavers of that area and eventually weavers in northwest New Mexico started weaving sacred figures and other design elements into their own Navajo rug creations.
In the early 1920’s, traders in the Lukachukai, Arizona and Shiprock, New Mexico area were encouraging weavers to create multiple figure yei weavings. These early Navajo yei weavings typically had a white or other light-colored background and used a plethora of aniline-dyed yarns for the creation of the yei figures.
Today, this popular style of weaving graces many a fine collection of Navajo rugs. The difference between a yei and yeibichai weaving depends on the depiction of the holy Navajo beings. Yei weavings tend to have static, front facing figures, depicted either singly or more frequently with multiple figures in a horizontal row often surrounded on three sides by a single rainbow yei.
Yeibichai weavings depict the actual ceremonial dance performed in the winter months. An elaborate nine day ceremony, it features male and female yei’i, Talking God, the water sprinkler, fringe mouth yei’i, medicine men and patients. All or some of the above mentioned deities and people will appear in a yeibichai weaving, typically in a more animated form to portray the dancing of the yei during the ceremony.
Yei
Every creature, every aspect of nature has its holy people . . . . even the stinkbug. Sometimes you can see them, if only for an instant. They are represented, some of them, by colors: the blue sky, the evening dusk, the night these are holy people and one prays to them. There are iron people, crystal people, then the other rocks "and such people." There are dawn people, twilight people, air, thunder, and cloud people. One does not talk about such things in nature when they and their holy people are present.
More about this legend
Weaving
After the medicine woman told the people about the prayersticks she told them that there was a place in the underworld where two rivers crossed. It was called ni tqin'kae tsosi, fine fiber cotton (Indian hemp). There were two persons who brought the seed of that plant, they were spiders. They said that the people were to use the plant instead of skins for their clothing. So this seed was planted in the earth? More about this legend
Navajo Ganado Rug - Kathy Nez (#01)
$3,900.00
Artist: Kathy Nez
Navajo Rug
87" x 48"
Navajo weaver Kathy Nez cranked up the big loom and pulled together a truly large Ganado Red rug that is as finely woven, as it is large. Using the traditional color scheme that is deep and rich, Kathy has created a lasting statement of quality, culture and tradition.
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every purchase.
Related legends:
Weaving
After the medicine woman told the people about the prayersticks she told them that there was a place in the underworld where two rivers crossed. It was called ni tqin'kae tsosi, fine fiber cotton (Indian hemp). There were two persons who brought the seed of that plant, they were spiders. They said that the people were to use the plant instead of skins for their clothing. So this seed was planted in the earth? More about this legend
Navajo Handspun Chief Blanket (#45)
$0.00
Navajo Blanket
44" x 49"
Much flora and fauna gave there all in the creation of this third phase Chief's blanket. Hand spun wool, acrylic and vegetable dyes are what this rug is made from. Back in the 1960s a tasteful and talented Navajo weaver created this alluring weaving. The time and effort it took are undocumented, but be assured it took a great deal of each. Blankets such as this are uncommon in today's market, not many people want to shear the sheep, clean the wool, dye it, spin it and then weave the rug. Too much work! See, touch and own a blast from the past with this weaving.
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every purchase.
Related legends:
Weaving
After the medicine woman told the people about the prayersticks she told them that there was a place in the underworld where two rivers crossed. It was called ni tqin'kae tsosi, fine fiber cotton (Indian hemp). There were two persons who brought the seed of that plant, they were spiders. They said that the people were to use the plant instead of skins for their clothing. So this seed was planted in the earth? More about this legend
Navajo Handspun Feather Pattern Blanket (#49)
$1,750.00
Navajo Rug
52" x 86"
This banded rug from the Steve Zolock collection was made in the 1940s and collected by Steve in the 1960s. While it shows a little wear, that’s to be expected after about 75 years. The colors are an interesting blend and the wool soft and supple. Steve has asked us to find a new home for this beauty, so if your abode, office or cabin wants one this is for you.
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every purchase.
Related legends:
Weaving
After the medicine woman told the people about the prayersticks she told them that there was a place in the underworld where two rivers crossed. It was called ni tqin'kae tsosi, fine fiber cotton (Indian hemp). There were two persons who brought the seed of that plant, they were spiders. They said that the people were to use the plant instead of skins for their clothing. So this seed was planted in the earth? More about this legend
Navajo Humpback Yei Rug - Luana Tso (#29)
$2,975.00
Artist: Luana Tso
Navajo Rugs
38 1/2" x 59"
Luana Tso is widely known for her sand painting weavings. This “Simpson” or “Gallegos Canyon” rug showcases corn, the symbol of fertility, and a single standing yei or holy person. Luana always does great weaving, and this is a standout even for her.
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About the artist:
Luana Tso has had a dream for many years now, and it is woven into each one of her Navajo rugs. She has three sons, and for each she dreams of a college education. This bright hope for her children's future keeps her at her loom from eight to fourteen hours a day, weaving traditional patterns, all the while trusting that her efforts will develop a new tradition for her family: higher education. See full biography
Related legends:
Yei
Every creature, every aspect of nature has its holy people . . . . even the stinkbug. Sometimes you can see them, if only for an instant. They are represented, some of them, by colors: the blue sky, the evening dusk, the night these are holy people and one prays to them. There are iron people, crystal people, then the other rocks "and such people." There are dawn people, twilight people, air, thunder, and cloud people. One does not talk about such things in nature when they and their holy people are present.
Weaving
After the medicine woman told the people about the prayersticks she told them that there was a place in the underworld where two rivers crossed. It was called ni tqin'kae tsosi, fine fiber cotton (Indian hemp). There were two persons who brought the seed of that plant, they were spiders. They said that the people were to use the plant instead of skins for their clothing. So this seed was planted in the earth? More about this legend
Certificate of Authenticity
Navajo Illusion Cube Weaving - Elizabeth Joe (#01)
$1,200.00
Artist: Elizabeth Joe
Navajo Rug
31" x 44 1/2"
We sure don’t see many tumbling block rugs around the trading post any more. Likely because they require a great deal of technical skill that is not often being developed in the young ‘uns. Unfortunately the young ‘us ain’t learnin’ the old ways. This vintage weaving by Elizabeth Joe is a fine example of this style of weaving and you should get it before it disappears, altogether.
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every purchase.
Related legends:
Weaving
After the medicine woman told the people about the prayersticks she told them that there was a place in the underworld where two rivers crossed. It was called ni tqin'kae tsosi, fine fiber cotton (Indian hemp). There were two persons who brought the seed of that plant, they were spiders. They said that the people were to use the plant instead of skins for their clothing. So this seed was planted in the earth? More about this legend
Leta Descheny
Navajo Klahgatoh Rug - Leta Descheny (#01)
$1,150.00
Navajo Klahgatoh Rug - Leta Descheny (#01)
$1,150.00
Artist: Leta Descheny
56" x 29"
Although not quite as well known as the Ganado style, the Klahgatoh pattern is as complex and meaningful as any of the Navajo rug motifs. Leta Descheeny seems to prefer the soft and subtle coloring of the Klahgatoh region for her weaving, and after looking at this particular rug one can certainly appreciate why. Find a place for this weaving in your home or office, and you will enjoy it day after day after day.
Related legends:
Klagetoh Rugs
Navajo Midnight Storm Pattern Weaving - Gabriel Benally (#18)
$1,875.00
Artist: Gabriel Benally
65" x 48"
Storm pattern weavings are striking in their power and graphics, and Navajo rug weaver Gabriel Benally knows how to channel the imagery. Gabriel loves to weave, and his rugs are precise and finished. Because of the black background, this one is referred to as a Midnight Storm. Gabe is great.
About the artist:
Related legends:
Storm Rugs
Navajo Modified Ganado Weaving - Louise Harvey (#03)
$2,400.00
Artist: Louise Harvey
43" x 71"
A "modified" designation in Navajo rug weaving terminology refers to a pattern that is similar to one of the more notable designs, but varies in unique and remarkable ways. In this case Louise Harvey has taken the red background from the Ganado pattern and adapted the geometric designs into something that is pleasing to her. Many weavers get stuck in a rut, producing patterns of a singular style with variations of color only. Louise, however, is one of the few weavers who throws caution to the wind and creates something new and innovative almost every time. What kind of fun is that? "Great fun", says Louise.
Related legends:
Weaving
After the medicine woman told the people about the prayersticks she told them that there was a place in the underworld where two rivers crossed. It was called ni tqin'kae tsosi, fine fiber cotton (Indian hemp). There were two persons who brought the seed of that plant, they were spiders. They said that the people were to use the plant instead of skins for their clothing. So this seed was planted in the earth? More about this legend
Navajo Pictorial Twin Rocks Rug - Eleanor Yazzie (#112)
$495.00
Artist: Eleanor Yazzie
Navajo Rugs
31" x 37"
Carnelda Benally and her well-known mother, Eleanor Yazzie, have chosen the iconic Twin Rocks as the theme for one of their pictorial rugs. Symbolizing the Navajo Hero Twins, Monster-slayer and Born-for-Water, these monuments have monumental meaning. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind weaving. They’ll never be another one like it.
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About the artist:
Eleanor was born in 1963 at Keams Canyon, Arizona to Joe and Ella Benally. She has two sisters and five brothers. When visiting her grandmother on her mother's side who lived at Smoke Signal, she would watch her weave. Her grandmother, Bah Begay, especially loved weaving storm pattern rugs. Eleanor helped her grandmother who, at that time, made handspun rugs. Eleanor learned every step from shearing the sheep to washing and dyeing the wool to spinning the yarn. Because her grandmother especially loved the storm pattern weavings, this style was the first type woven by Eleanor. Her mastery of complex geometrics and diagonal lines comes from this experience in weaving the storm pattern.
Ruby Coggeshell
Navajo Red Mesa Outline Rug - Ruby Coggeshell (#45)
$2,250.00
Navajo Red Mesa Outline Rug - Ruby Coggeshell (#45)
$2,250.00
Artist: Ruby Coggeshell
Navajo Rugs
40" x 53"
Black and white, positive and negative. Ruby Coggeshell has woven a rug of opposites. The beauty of this rug is almost mind-boggling in its monochrome coloration. It reminds us of the landscape that surrounds and enfolds us. It’s simple, stark, and staggering. You will love this rug in your home.
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every purchase.
About the artist:
When Ruby Coggeshell was a small child she would sit and watch with fascination as her mother wove intricate and colorful Red Mesa Style rugs. She also watched her two aunts and their daughters. As she watched their strong hands working the wool she would ask questions. "I've always liked to listen to the stories," she says, "About when they were young, what it was like. I always asked questions. They usually would tell me."
Related legends:
Red Mesa Rugs
Ruby Coggeshell
Navajo Red Mesa Rug - Ruby Coggeshell (#52)
$935.00
Navajo Red Mesa Rug - Ruby Coggeshell (#52)
$935.00
Artist: Ruby Coggeshell
33 1/2" x 27"
Before treading upon the primitive mesas and monuments of Red Mesa, the Hero Twins had never been bested. That, however, was before they ran into one of the most magnificent of all entities, the female. Not knowing what he was getting into, Monster slayer attempted to destroy what he interpreted as a foe. He took a terrible licking, and barely made it home to his mama. When her son retold the tale of his thrashing, his mother laughed out loud. "What you have encountered my son is that which cannot be defeated; female energy." That was exactly what Ruby Coggeshell depicted when she wove her Red Mesa rug. She too gets a kick out of the story. As with Changing Woman, it makes her laugh to think about such an impossible undertaking.
About the artist:
When Ruby Coggeshell was a small child she would sit and watch with fascination as her mother wove intricate and colorful Red Mesa Style rugs. She also watched her two aunts and their daughters. As she watched their strong hands working the wool she would ask questions. "I've always liked to listen to the stories," she says, "About when they were young, what it was like. I always asked questions. They usually would tell me."
Navajo Revival Weaving - Gloria Begay (#01)
$1,800.00
Artist: Gloria Begay
Navajo Rugs
Revival
23" x 21"
This tightly woven rug by Gloria C. Begay is made in the classic style. Influenced by First and Second Phase Chief Blanket weavings of the Navajo, the deep reds and blues speak of long ago when the Navajo freely roamed the Southwest. Times may change, but traditions endure. Gloria has taken the time to weave a beautiful weaving that will last generations. Even your grandchildren will charish this rug.
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every purchase.
Related legends:
Weaving
After the medicine woman told the people about the prayersticks she told them that there was a place in the underworld where two rivers crossed. It was called ni tqin'kae tsosi, fine fiber cotton (Indian hemp). There were two persons who brought the seed of that plant, they were spiders. They said that the people were to use the plant instead of skins for their clothing. So this seed was planted in the earth? More about this legend
Navajo Round Eye Dazzler Rug - Rolanda Begay (#02)
$330.00
Artist: Rolanda Begay
Navajo Rug
18" x 19"
Circles inspire us to think about how our world is interconnected; everything affects everything. In this circular rug by Rolanda Begay, you can imagine any number of stories about relationships, the environment and our world in general. Inspiring.
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every purchase.
Navajo Saudi Arabia Rug - Cora Black (#01)
$1,500.00
Artist: Cora Black
Navajo Rugs
29" x 38 1/2"
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every purchase.
About the artist:
Related legends:
Weaving
After the medicine woman told the people about the prayersticks she told them that there was a place in the underworld where two rivers crossed. It was called ni tqin'kae tsosi, fine fiber cotton (Indian hemp). There were two persons who brought the seed of that plant, they were spiders. They said that the people were to use the plant instead of skins for their clothing. So this seed was planted in the earth? More about this legend
Certificate of Authenticity
Marcelda Johnson
Navajo Snowflake Design Weaving - Marcelda Johnson (#01)
$800.00
Navajo Snowflake Design Weaving - Marcelda Johnson (#01)
$800.00
Artist: Marcelda Johnson
Snowflake rugs remind us of winter, snow on the ground and the holidays in the air. They do, however, look good any time of the year. Maybe that is why Marcelda Johnson likes to weave them whenever she can. Since they are unusual, we are always pleased when Marcelda shows up at the trading post.
Related legends:
Weaving
After the medicine woman told the people about the prayersticks she told them that there was a place in the underworld where two rivers crossed. It was called ni tqin'kae tsosi, fine fiber cotton (Indian hemp). There were two persons who brought the seed of that plant, they were spiders. They said that the people were to use the plant instead of skins for their clothing. So this seed was planted in the earth? More about this legend
Navajo Spirit of the Raven Rug - Carmelita Sagg (#14)
$2,500.00
Artist: Carmelita Sagg
About the artist:
Related legends:
Weaving
After the medicine woman told the people about the prayersticks she told them that there was a place in the underworld where two rivers crossed. It was called ni tqin'kae tsosi, fine fiber cotton (Indian hemp). There were two persons who brought the seed of that plant, they were spiders. They said that the people were to use the plant instead of skins for their clothing. So this seed was planted in the earth? More about this legend
Gabriel Benally
Navajo Storm Pattern Rug - Gabriel Benally (#14)
$2,495.00
Navajo Storm Pattern Rug - Gabriel Benally (#14)
$2,495.00
Artist: Gabriel Benally
47" x 82"
Storm pattern weavings always capture us; we love the symbolism and the graphics. Of course the fact that it is one of the most recognizable styles of Navajo weaving doesn’t hurt. Gabriel Benally has been weaving this type for most of his career and knows exactly how to energize his rugs. His weavings are electric, energizing.
About the artist:
Related legends:
Storm Rugs
Navajo Storm Pattern Weaving - Marie Sheppard (#03)
$1,650.00
Artist: Marie Sheppard
48" x 29"
The storm design is one of the most recognized patterns in Navajo rug weaving. It is impressive because it depicts the emergence of a people, their sources of protection, life signs and, most exciting, thunder and lightning. Marie Sheppard weaves one of the most refined storm pattern rugs anywhere. Her weave is smooth, even, tight and her pattern wholly symmetrical. No wonder people get excited about her rugs.
About the artist:
Sitting on the floor in front of her loom up to fourteen hours a day, Marie Burbank Sheppard may weave only six to eight inches on a three foot wide rug in that much time. This intense effort is a labor of love for her as she works the wool yarn she has dyed herself. Raised outline rugs are her trademark, created by using a double weave. Her technical style of design has incorporated up to 44 colors in one rug, usually subtle colors as she loves earth's pastels. This grandmother has won multiple awards at the Gallup Ceremonials and is considered by many experts to be a top weaver. See full biography
Related legends:
Storm Rugs
Navajo Teec Nos Pos Weaving - Evelyn Poyer (#01)
$800.00
Artist: Evelyn Poyer
Evelyn Poyer wove this very attractive Navajo rug. This regional style owes much to the influence of Persian rug designs and the input of early Crystal, New Mexico trader John B. Moore. This Teec Nos Pos rug is tightly woven from plied yarns in colors that range from bright jewel tones to earth tones and even pastels. It has a distinctive broad border with an "X" shape and an elaborate center with smaller complementary design elements.
Related legends:
Weaving
After the medicine woman told the people about the prayersticks she told them that there was a place in the underworld where two rivers crossed. It was called ni tqin'kae tsosi, fine fiber cotton (Indian hemp). There were two persons who brought the seed of that plant, they were spiders. They said that the people were to use the plant instead of skins for their clothing. So this seed was planted in the earth? More about this legend
Kathryn Begay
Navajo Turquoise Yei Rug - Kathryn Begay (#03)
$1,100.00
Navajo Turquoise Yei Rug - Kathryn Begay (#03)
$1,100.00
Artist: Kathryn Begay
40" x 26"
Finely woven and carefully crafted, that is what Kathryn Begay was aiming for in her latest Yei weaving. Since Yeis are so important culturally, Kathryn has taken her time to represent them especially well and in the process has made a rug of beauty.
Related legends:
Yei
Every creature, every aspect of nature has its holy people . . . . even the stinkbug. Sometimes you can see them, if only for an instant. They are represented, some of them, by colors: the blue sky, the evening dusk, the night these are holy people and one prays to them. There are iron people, crystal people, then the other rocks "and such people." There are dawn people, twilight people, air, thunder, and cloud people. One does not talk about such things in nature when they and their holy people are present.
Navajo Two Grey Hills Rug (#53)
$1,600.00
49 1/2" x 34 3/4"
This very nice Two Grey Hills rug was woven approximately in the 1970’s. Its warm earth tones are why it is described as such. It’s a fine example of the soft colors and tight weaving associated with such Navajo rugs. We do not know the weaver because the original buyers collection, of which it came from did not keep track of the name. But the artist surely must have been accomplished.
Related legends:
Two Grey Hills Rugs
Navajo Two Grey Hills Rug - Calvin Toney (#01)
$6,300.00
Artist: Calvin Toney
68" x 88"
Years ago we bought rugs from Navajo master weaver Beth Bitsuie. After a time we began purchasing from her daughter and daughter-in-law, who had been carefully trained by Beth. Now we have begun to buy the weavings of Beth's grandson, Calvin Toney. All these weavers have developed a steady hand and careful eye for weaving. This large Two Grey Hills rug by Calvin is exceptional for its fine craftsmanship and exquisite design.
Related legends:
Two Grey Hills Rugs
Larry Nathaniel
Navajo Two Grey Hills Rug - Larry Nathaniel (#01)
$1,500.00
Navajo Two Grey Hills Rug - Larry Nathaniel (#01)
$1,500.00
Artist: Larry Nathaniel
Navajo Rugs
24" x 32"
Larry Nathaniel weaves outstanding “Two Grey Hills” rugs. This rug is finely woven, extremely symmetrical and the pattern stands-out by way of a crisp, clean design. Earth tone color schemes are Larry's specialty; no dyes are used and no sheep abused. Larry is from the Four Corners area of the Navajo Reservation and is considered one of the best weavers from the "Canyon Country".
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Two Grey Hills Rugs
Navajo Two Grey Hills Rug - Phyllis James (#02)
$1,350.00
Artist: Phyllis James
37" x 26 1/2"
Phyllis James has woven this most excellent example of the Two Grey Hills style of Navajo textiles. Two Grey Hills is located to the east of the Chuska Mountains and south of Shiprock, New Mexico. Navajo rugs from this area feature intricate designs woven with natural sheep wool in varying hues of brown, cream and grey, anchored with black and white. The black is typically over-dyed to make a more solid contrast with the other colors. Two Grey Hill rugs will typically have a single or double serrated design as the central focus within the weaving. Other design elements such as geometrics, stair steps, even occasionally, pictorial elements will take up the balance of the weaving. A dark border typically surrounds the interior design elements. As mentioned, this one is superb.
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Two Grey Hills Rugs
Navajo XL Two Grey Hills Rug (#52)
$7,950.00
9' 1 1/2" x 5' 6"
This is a really majestic, old style Two Grey Hills weaving circa 1920's or 30's. Because of its age, we do not know the weaver but we do know she was a master artist. The rug is made completely of hand-shorn wool and is hand carded and spun as well. The colors are completely natural except for the red, aniline dyed edge cords. This is a heavy well-made weaving that has seen very little wear and shows no damage from ultraviolet light. This weaving is a classic example of a big, bold, beautiful Navajo textile.
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Two Grey Hills Rugs
Navajo Yei Weaving - Luana Tso (#53)
$3,500.00
Artist: Luana Tso
Navajo Rug
39" x 60"
Luana Tso weaves representations of the Navajo Holy People on a grand scale. Many years ago Luana began making rugs featuring these supernatural beings in a large format, and has since become well known for her intricate depictions these mythological figures. Luana will turn 60 this year and has built quite a career weaving unusual and uniquely pleasing pieces such as this. Let's wish her happy birthday, and send a message to the gods asking that she be allowed to continue making her wonderful weavings.
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About the artist:
Luana Tso has had a dream for many years now, and it is woven into each one of her Navajo rugs. She has three sons, and for each she dreams of a college education. This bright hope for her children's future keeps her at her loom from eight to fourteen hours a day, weaving traditional patterns, all the while trusting that her efforts will develop a new tradition for her family: higher education. See full biography
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Yei
Every creature, every aspect of nature has its holy people . . . . even the stinkbug. Sometimes you can see them, if only for an instant. They are represented, some of them, by colors: the blue sky, the evening dusk, the night these are holy people and one prays to them. There are iron people, crystal people, then the other rocks "and such people." There are dawn people, twilight people, air, thunder, and cloud people. One does not talk about such things in nature when they and their holy people are present.
Navajo Yei-be-Chei Dancer Rug - Anna Gray (#02)
$750.00
Artist: Anna Gray
Navajo Rug
35" x 24 1/2"
Yei rugs are the most symbolic rugs in the Navajo weaving tradition. The Yeis they portray are the deities the Natives worship and hold sacred. Speaking to the healing arts and the gods who assist in the rite, Anna Grey tells of the power of these beings and the beauty of Navajo rugs.
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Related legends:
Yei
Every creature, every aspect of nature has its holy people . . . . even the stinkbug. Sometimes you can see them, if only for an instant. They are represented, some of them, by colors: the blue sky, the evening dusk, the night these are holy people and one prays to them. There are iron people, crystal people, then the other rocks "and such people." There are dawn people, twilight people, air, thunder, and cloud people. One does not talk about such things in nature when they and their holy people are present.
Treva Peshlakai
Navajo Yei-be-chei Weaving - Treva Peshlakai (#02)
$900.00
Navajo Yei-be-chei Weaving - Treva Peshlakai (#02)
$900.00
Artist: Treva Peshlakai
42 1/2" x 26"
Yei-be-chei rugs such as this are intended to represent healing and ancient ways that ensure a happy, healthy life. Treva Peshlakai has done a fine job representing these spiritual beings engaged in making their patient feel better. Get this one for your home and start living the good life.
Related legends:
Weaving
After the medicine woman told the people about the prayersticks she told them that there was a place in the underworld where two rivers crossed. It was called ni tqin'kae tsosi, fine fiber cotton (Indian hemp). There were two persons who brought the seed of that plant, they were spiders. They said that the people were to use the plant instead of skins for their clothing. So this seed was planted in the earth? More about this legend