Comments on: How to Identify Navajo Textiles

By: Mary Walker

Mary Walker — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:38:11 +0000

Thank you for the kind words on the site. If can send along some pictures, I may be able to give you an idea of what you have.

By: Bob Schaefer

Bob Schaefer — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 04:58:18 +0000

Thank you for providing this valuable information. I am northern Paiute and was born about 10 miles from where almost all Panamint baskets were made. I have an extensive collection of Panamint baskets, both from Death Valley and the Owens Valley, however, I have no knowledge in Navajo textiles. When my mother passed away, I inherited a large truck with many early textiles in it that belonged to my grandmother, I do not know how or where she obtained these textiles. I would love to be able to identify just what I have, it is not practical to travel around with a large number of textiles looking for assistance. Your suggestions or comments are most appreciated, and thank you again for providing the information in your website.
Bob

By: Paula Kobernick

Paula Kobernick — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:24:33 +0000

Thank you for your very informative information. I have a smallish rug that I got from my Dad before he died. He lived in Arizona for many years and purchased a rug with a “roadrunner as the subject. It appealed to me a lot but we have never had the right place to keep it. I’m thinking of sellng it now.
It’s 28″ wide by 32″ long. has no fringe but 4 braided ties that exit from the corners and are each about 4″ long. The body of the rug is medium gray, it’s divided into 3 sections in the pattern. The road runner is in the middle section has black legs, tail and head except for white spot for eyeball and brown center for pupil. Body is rust colored wing is reddish brown.The bird is in an exaggerated speedy looking position — kind of like you’d expect the cartoon character to be looking like.
The rug is in very good “like new” condition and appears to be done very well. I’m sure it is wool. I think my Dad purchased this in the late 60′s or 70′s. It is dramatic and can stand alone as art.

By: Mary Walker

Mary Walker — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:00:24 +0000

This type of textile is most probably not a Navajo rug. The only type of Navajo textile that’s seamed is a biil dress. You most likely have a piece that was woven in Mexico or New Mexico. Some of these are joined with extreme skill and are quite valuable.

By: connie

connie — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:55:39 +0000

What about a rug that is seamed down the center? It appears to be original with the weaver and done extremely well.

By: Stanley Burger

Stanley Burger — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:47:48 +0000

Thank you for this information. Tho I live in Saratoga ,N.Y. I’m hooked on the beautiful
weavings from the Southwest,esp.Navajo. My pocket book is small so all I can afford are small weavings 24″x30″ and smaller. I have Purchased directly from the weaver (3) pcs. &
found another (5) in antique shops and flea markets from NY to FLa and across the south.