Riches of the Southwest

The general rule for art collecting also applies to Navajo weaving--buy what you like and enjoy it. However, your enjoyment may be affected by the quality of the weaving you purchased as well as its authenticity. We have developed the following quiz to assist you in becoming a more knowledgeable buyer of Navajo rugs.

How can I avoid purchasing
an imitation Navajo rug?

What are the warp strings
and the weft thread?

What is a lazy line?

Why do some Navajo rugs
have a wrinkle or curled corners
when laid flat on the floor?

Is the thin line usually woven
in a contrasting color into the
corner of a Navajo rug a flaw?

What does vegetal dye mean?

Do commercial yarns
compromise the integrity
of a Navajo Rug?

What does vegetal dye mean?

Vegetal Dye refers to the use of organic and mineral materials in creating dyes used to color the natural wool. Ground lichen, gamble oak bark, onion skins and juniper mistletoe are examples of countless sources each contributing its own hue. Dye charts serve to identify the numerous materials used and their resulting color.

Navajo Rugs
- Handwork
- Knitting
- Cards
Patterns & Symbols
How Rugs
are Made
Use and Care
How To Buy
Artists
- Bessie Begay
- Marilyn Scott
- Nellie Curley
- S. Nockideneh
- Daisy Tisi
- Bessie Begay
- Sophia Yazzie