When assessing whether a Navajo blanket is genuine or not, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, consider the authenticity of the weaving. Genuine Navajo blankets will feature clean, tight, and consistent weaving.
The edges will also be even and straight. Other features to look for include the colors of the wool and the symbols used in the weaving. Genuine Navajo blankets will generally feature colors like white, black, gray, indigo, rust, yellow, brown and other earth tones.
The patterns should be symmetrical in nature and often include geometric shapes E. g. diamonds, crosses, and chevrons. If you have the blanket in hand, look for the presence of traditional Navajo symbols.
These symbols are often incorporated into the patterns to signify an event or story.
In addition to examining the tell-tale signs of a genuine blanket, it is important to do your research and speak with a Navajo rug expert. Ask the expert detailed questions about the maker and history of the blanket and evaluate the quality of the craftsmanship.
If a seller is unable to provide reliable information or declines to answer questions, be wary of the legitimacy of the blanket. Furthermore, authenticate the seller. Avoid websites claiming to have ‘vintage’ Navajo blankets as these may not be true.
Lastly, examine the price of the blanket. Genuine Navajo blankets tend to be expensive due to the level of craftsmanship included, so overly low prices are a tell-tale sign of inauthentic Navajo blankets.
What do Navajo blankets represent?
Navajo blankets are woven wool textiles that have been crafted and woven by the Navajo people of the American Southwest for hundreds of years. These blankets are historically associated with the Navajo people, representing the community’s deeply rooted traditions, strong cultural identity and craftsmanship.
Aside from their deeply symbolic meaning, they are also extremely valuable commodities in terms of pattern and quality. The designs, colors, and weaves of the textiles reflect the various tribal motifs, which depict natural elements including rainbows, clouds and stars, as well as animals like horses, eagles, and buffaloes.
The vivid colors are determined by natural dyes such as paints, clay, mud, and mineral sources. Ultimately, Navajo blankets are a symbol of pride for the Navajo Nation and are highly sought after for their one-of-a-kind artwork, intricate designs, and incredibly fine craftsmanship.
What is the most expensive Navajo blanket?
The most expensive Navajo blanket ever to be sold at auction was a Chief’s Classic First Phase Wearing Blanket, which sold for $949,000 at a 2014 auction in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The blanket originally belonged to Arizonian collector Bill Harney, who was an avid collector of American Indian artifacts.
The blanket itself dates back to 1840 and is made of commercial wool, featuring a natural rust and green diamond-shaped design. This blanket is considered rare due to its age and its condition, as it has still retained its original vibrant colors and hand-spun textures.
It is believed to have been created by a Navajo weaver from the Chuska Mountains, and is testament to the Navajo culture and craftsmanship.
What happened to the Navajo blanket from Antiques Roadshow?
The Navajo blanket from Antiques Roadshow was appraised by Lewis Whyld and eventually sold privately, with the help of Bonhams, for significantly more than his initial appraisal.
Whyld initially valued the early 19th-century blanket at between £1,000 and £1,500. He suggested that it was probably made before 1868 for domestic use and may have had a later commercial use as a hearth or wall hanging as it had some abrasive wear to the wool in particular places.
Whyld noted that the blanket was an example of the ‘Germantown’ style of Navajo weaving with a rare color combination. The colors and precise design were so striking that the blanket eventually caught the eye of the Ellis Island International Trading Company, who had Whyld appraise the item on the program.
Following the broadcast of the Antiques Roadshow, Bonhams were contacted by the Ellis Island Trading Company to negotiate the sale of the blanket. Bonhams then auctioned the blanket as part of their Native American Art & Ethnographic Art sale and it eventually sold for an impressive £20,000.
This was almost 15 times more than the initial appraisal, illustrating that sometimes the Antiques Roadshow experts can significantly undervalue an item.
What the most expensive item ever on Antiques Roadshow?
The most expensive item ever featured on Antiques Roadshow is a Peter Watchman gold dot George III presentation snuff box, owned by Bill and Tinka Delaney from Oklahoma City. When the Delaneys brought it to the show on a 2011 episode, it was estimated to be worth $200,000 to $300,000.
After it was appraised, it was revealed that the snuff box was worth a staggering $800,000 to $1 million! The box was made in London, England and dates from between 1760 and 1790. The box was presented to one of George III’s mistresses, the celebrated singer and dancer Maria Margaretta Fitzherbert.
Antique Roadshow has featured many priceless items over the years, such as a first edition of The Scarlet Letter, a Vienna Ksser Vase, and a rare Faberge Egg. It has become one of the most popular auction shows in the world, where people bring in all kinds of antiques and learn about their backgrounds, values, and stories.
What is the difference between a Navajo rug and a Navajo blanket?
Navajo rugs and Navajo blankets are both traditional items from the Navajo Nation, however they are two distinct styles. Navajo rugs are typically characterized by geometric designs, created with a single needle and normally made from either sheep or goat wool.
Rugs typically take several months to make and come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and patterns.
Navajo blankets are thicker, heavier items with a raised texture. These blankets are normally made with a combination of wool and cotton, and feature either a Diamond or Half-Diamond design, which are two highly recognizable Navajo patterns.
Unlike rugs, Navajo blankets are made with industrial looms, meaning they can be finished much more quickly.
What does it mean when a Native American gives you a blanket?
When a Native American gives you a blanket, it is a sign of respect and appreciation. A blanket is often given as a gift to honor someone, show hospitality, or recognize important occasions. The blanket is a symbol of protection and comfort.
Giving a blanket is an expression of caring, warmth, and protection. It is a sign of support and can be used to comfort a loved one or help a person in need. A blanket is something that can be used in everyday life and carries with it a special meaning.
By giving someone a blanket, the giver is showing their support and providing warmth in hopes that the recipient will be safe and secure.
What do the Navajo patterns mean?
The Navajo Nation is a Native American tribe based in the southwestern United States. The Navajo culture is deeply rooted in tradition, and this extends to their artwork. Navajo patterns are often seen in their textiles, jewelry, and sand paintings.
These intricate designs carry a lot of cultural significance, reflecting the values, stories, and beliefs of the Navajo people.
One type of Navajo pattern is known as the four sacred mountains. These refer to four mountain peaks located in the Navajo Nation that have deep spiritual significance to the tribe. Another pattern, the Hogan, is commonly used to create rugs and represents the teachings of prayers and blessings.
The Tree of Life pattern often appears in sand paintings and signifies the cycle of life and death within the tribe.
The Navajo Nation has many important symbols and patterns, each of which carries a deep meaning. In general, their artwork emphasizes the relationship between people and nature, their connection to traditional teachings, and the importance of family and community.
Each design is carefully considered, respecting the tradition and symbolism behind it.
Is the antique road show staged?
No, the Antiques Roadshow is not staged. The show features collectors from all over the country who bring in their items to be appraised by experts. Each item is carefully examined and the expert provides an appraisal on its history, value, and any other interesting information about it.
The reactions from the owners to their appraisals are genuine and there is no scripting or staging involved. The show is one of the longest running and most successful series on PBS, and the format has been exported around the world.
It has become a favorite of many viewers and continues to inspire people to learn more about their prized possessions.
What are Navajo rugs worth?
Navajo rugs are highly valued for their beauty and cultural significance, and the value of each rug varies greatly depending on its size, age, quality and condition. Many rugs created prior to the 1960s are highly sought after, and their value increases with age.
Quality is also an important factor in determining the price of the rug; higher quality rugs with more intricate pattern design, careful stitching and vibrant natural dyes (often derived from plants) can command prices from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on their size and design.
Generally, larger rugs tend to be more expensive than smaller ones, and hand-knotted rugs are usually more expensive than machine-made rugs. Condition also affects the value; prehistoric rugs that have been well maintained may increase in value over time, but rugs that have been mishandled or damaged by pests will be worth far less.
What is a Navajo first phase blanket?
A Navajo first phase blanket is a type of weaving traditionally made by the Diné people of the Navajo Nation. This type of blanket was first created by the Navajo people during the late 19th century and is widely recognized as one of the most iconic symbols of Navajo culture.
These blankets were originally made as an item of trading among the early Navajo, Mexican, and Spanish settlers who actively participated in the Navajo trading system. The design elements of these blankets are unique and highly symbolic, having connections to elements such as the Four Sacred Mountains and the hogan, a traditional home, making them highly sought-after in modern times.
The traditional Navajo first phase blanket is typically composed of a single diamond motif surrounded by a larger ike (diamond) or jac blanket pattern, which consists of a large central diamond, 4 corners, and 8 additional diamond-shaped bands.
The design of each blanket is highly reflective of the wearer’s specific region. These blankets are often brightly colored and are traditionally made from hand-spun sheep’s wool and domestic cotton. Originally, Navajo first phase blankets were intended to be used as a form of protection from the elements and were often used as a wrap or a throw in traditional homes.
Nowadays, the Navajo first phase blanket has become an incredibly popular collectible. These blankets bring beauty and a unique story to any collector’s home, and they’re an especially popular art form amongst textile collectors.
Navajo first phase blankets are highly sought-after, with some examples having sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars in auctions. Many collectors hope to one day find an original first phase blanket that has been woven with care and stands the test of time.
How did the Navajo make their blankets?
The Navajo learned how to make their distinctive blankets using techniques that have been passed down through the generations. Traditionally, wool was the primary material used for Navajo blankets, as the wool was often spun, dyed and hand woven by Navajo weavers.
Dyes made from natural sources were also used, such as cochineal from insect shells, indigo from plant sources and soot from burned piñon or juniper sticks. With a very specific patterning, the Navajo combined their use of wool, dyes and weaving to create unique blankets that varied in color, warmth, design and strength.
These blankets were often seen as a form of functional art. Today, Navajo blankets still use natural dyes and are hand-woven by Navajo weavers, albeit often using machines rather than fingers and weaving sticks.
These modern-day interpretations still maintain the same level of intricate patterning and style as their predecessors, allowing them to remain steeped in history.
What are the 4 categories of Navajo rugs?
The four categories of Navajo rugs include: pairing, regional, contemporary, and traditional.
Pairing rugs are two or more rugs woven together with a single design. They are often referred to as two-faced or two-faced chief’s rugs.
Regional rugs, or weaving designs, are created with a specific region in mind, usually within the Navajo Nation. The weaving styles and colors are usually prominent in the area, and can tell stories of the land, animals, peoples and the culture around them.
Contemporary rugs are those created with a distinct modern or abstract style, utilizing new materials and techniques. These pieces often incorporate vibrant colors and patterns that stand out among traditional ones.
Traditional rugs consist of patterns and designs that have a cultural background, and weave together stories, legends, and everyday life in a particular era. Traditional rugs often feature muted earth tones, like off white, salmon, beige and blue-gray.
Traditional designs also often feature imagery of animals and natural elements, like rainbows and stars.
Do authentic Navajo rugs have fringe?
Yes, many authentic Navajo rugs do have fringe. The type and style of the fringe will depend on the specific style of Navajo rug that you have. For example, the Navajo Ganado and Two-Grey Hills styles traditionally have a braided fringe.
The addition of fringe on a rug is more than just decorative – it is believed to offer protection to the wearer against evil spirits. The fringe also serves to reinforce the ends of the rug and ensure it remains sturdy for many years to come.
It is an important part of the craftsmanship that goes into creating a beautiful, authentic Navajo rug.
