American Indian Art Galleries

Navajo rugs are some of the most popular textiles in the world today. Made by native Navajo artisans, they are highly sought-after for their unique designs, unmatched beauty, and flawless quality. You will find American Indian art galleries, dedicating entire sections to these intricately created rugs. Even though they are expensive, they are also a universally loved home decor essential. While native Navajo sellers are the best source of Navajo rugs, it is not quite uncommon to find sellers who claim to sell rugs that look like Navajo rugs but are not actually made by the Navajo people. So, how do you tell a fake from an authentic rug? For starters, here are a few things that you need to look out for:

1. Warp

The best way to determine the authenticity of a Navajo rug is to look out for the warp. Warp strings, which run vertically, create the foundation of the rug. The rugs are weaved on continuous looms that contain the thread. When you buy a rug, run your hand along its side to find out if the warp threads are continuous or have been cut. If they are cut, the rug is not authentic.

2. Lazy lines

When you closely examine an authentic Navajo rug, you will find that it contains a line that runs diagonally in the weave of the fabric. They are known as lazy lines. When working on a rug, rug makers work on one section and then move to the adjacent section, and that results in the thread getting pulled diagonally, resulting in lazy lines. Although, when you buy online, these lines may be difficult to detect.

3. Selvage lines

Weavers use selvage lines to keep the edge of the rug straight and also give it a more polished look. Selvage lines can be found on the sides of the rugs. They are made up of two, three or sometimes more threads twisted around each other and interlaced with the fabric. Selvage lines can be easily seen even in photographs, making them easy to detect when you are buying Navajo rugs online.

4. Price

This is arguably the most important thing to remember when buying a Navajo rug. A lot of time and effort goes into making these rugs, not to mention the skill and craftsmanship required. All these factors can significantly drive up the price of the rugs. Additionally, rugs that are handspun are also quite rare. If you find a rug for a few hundred dollars, it most probably means that it is not authentic. The price of authentic Navajo rugs can run up to thousands of dollars.

Visit an American Indian art gallery online to find out more about Navajo rugs and learn how to determine their authenticity.

Author’s Bio: The author is a blogger. This article is about identifying authentic Navajo rugs.