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American Indian Rugs & Textiles

The weaving traditions of American Indians have produced some of the most spectacular examples of rug and textiles available on the market today. Perhaps best embodied by the production of the southwestern Navajo tribe, American Indian rugs and textiles tell a story of both loom expertise and personal history.

While Navajo origin stories suggest they gleaned their knowledge of weaving from the mythic Spider Woman, there is also evidence to suggest they trained with weavers of other tribes, such as the Pueblo. Eventually, the Navajo charted their own course in weaving, innovating in the way that they patterned their projects. Abandoning the earlier tradition of neat, uniform line patterns, Navajo weavers instead incorporated rich patterns, including zigzags and other geometric elements alongside vibrant color.

The Navajo weaving tradition created dynamic rugs and textiles that proved highly desirable. These rugs were so popular that following their appearance around the end of the 18th century, Navajo rugs were soon traded with populations across the continent.


Quick Facts

  • Navajo rugs were typically woven by the women of the tribe
  • The Navajo people first capitalized on their weaving skill for the creation of blankets; the transition to rugs and smaller panels occurred once demand from trading posts surged
  • In addition to the stylized zigzags, Navajo rugs also frequently exhibit the feature of diamond patterns, a motif believed to have been derived from contact with Mexican weavers

Recommended Items at Auction

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LARGE TEEC NOS POS NAVAJO RUG BY NELLIE BITSUI
Feb 19, 9:00 AM EST
LARGE TEEC NOS POS NAVAJO RUG BY NELLIE BITSUI
by Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC
Est: $400- $500
$42510 Bids
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Mona Laughing - Navajo Crystal Rug c. 1990-2000s, 38" x 19.75"
Feb 21, 12:00 PM MST
Mona Laughing - Navajo Crystal Rug c. 1990-2000s, 38" x 19.75"
by Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery & Auction
Est: $250- $350
$2006 Bids
Native American Navajo Dazzler Wool Rug
Feb 22, 10:00 AM MST
Native American Navajo Dazzler Wool Rug
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$1204 Bids
An Antique Navajo Blanket
Feb 20, 10:00 AM PST
An Antique Navajo Blanket
by Abell Auction
Est: $200- $300
$1754 Bids
Two Navajo Textile Covered Pillows
Feb 21, 9:30 AM EST
Two Navajo Textile Covered Pillows
by Merrill's Auctioneers & Appraisers
Est: $150- $250
$903 Bids
NAVAJO WEAVING
Feb 24, 6:00 PM PST
NAVAJO WEAVING
by O'Gallerie
Est: $200- $300
$1303 Bids
LARGE NAVAJO RUG 54 x 34 TEEC NOS POS
Feb 19, 9:00 AM EST
LARGE NAVAJO RUG 54 x 34 TEEC NOS POS
by Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC
Est: $300- $500
$1303 Bids
Native American Navajo Rug/ Saddle Blanket
Feb 22, 10:00 AM MST
Native American Navajo Rug/ Saddle Blanket
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$303 Bids
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Vintage Hand Woven Navajo Rug
Feb 23, 9:00 AM MST
Vintage Hand Woven Navajo Rug
by Monarch Auction and Estate Services
Est: $0- $0
$503 Bids
Navajo Rug, Early 20th C., 4'5'' x 6'4''
Feb 25, 11:00 AM EST
Navajo Rug, Early 20th C., 4'5'' x 6'4''
by Material Culture
Est: $1,000- $2,000
$5502 Bids
SOUTHWEST NATIVE AMERICAN RUG STORM DESIGN
Feb 19, 9:00 AM EST
SOUTHWEST NATIVE AMERICAN RUG STORM DESIGN
by Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC
Est: $200- $300
$602 Bids
NAVAJO WEAVING
Feb 24, 6:00 PM PST
NAVAJO WEAVING
by O'Gallerie
Est: $200- $300
$1702 Bids
SOUTHWEST NATIVE AMERICAN NAVAJO YEI RUG
Feb 19, 9:00 AM EST
SOUTHWEST NATIVE AMERICAN NAVAJO YEI RUG
by Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC
Est: $200- $300
$602 Bids
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Hand Woven Wool Navajo Tapestry
Feb 23, 9:00 AM MST
Hand Woven Wool Navajo Tapestry
by Monarch Auction and Estate Services
Est: $0- $0
$102 Bids
Native American Navajo Wool Saddle Blanket
Feb 22, 10:00 AM MST
Native American Navajo Wool Saddle Blanket
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$102 Bids
Navajo Ganado Weaving
Feb 21, 9:30 AM EST
Navajo Ganado Weaving
by Merrill's Auctioneers & Appraisers
Est: $150- $250
$501 Bid
A Navajo rug
Feb 21, 9:30 AM PST
A Navajo rug
by Clars Auctions
Est: $400- $600
$2001 Bid
Navajo Rug, Early 20th C., 4'3'' x 7'2''
Feb 25, 11:00 AM EST
Navajo Rug, Early 20th C., 4'3'' x 7'2''
by Material Culture
Est: $1,000- $2,000
$5001 Bid
SOUTHWEST NATIVE AMERICAN NAVAJO RUG WIDE RUIN
Feb 19, 9:00 AM EST
SOUTHWEST NATIVE AMERICAN NAVAJO RUG WIDE RUIN
by Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC
Est: $200- $300
$501 Bid
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Evelyn Begay - Navajo Ganado Rug c. 1970s, 35" x 30.5"
Feb 21, 12:00 PM MST
Evelyn Begay - Navajo Ganado Rug c. 1970s, 35" x 30.5"
by Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery & Auction
Est: $250- $350
$1501 Bid
Native American Rug
Mar 01, 10:00 AM EST
Native American Rug
by Copake Auction Inc.
Est: $200- $300
$1001 Bid
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Small Native American Navajo Patterned Rug
Feb 22, 9:00 AM CST
Small Native American Navajo Patterned Rug
by Matthew Bullock Auctioneers
Est: $30- $300
$151 Bid
Navajo Ganado Eye Dazzler Rug
Feb 21, 9:30 AM EST
Navajo Ganado Eye Dazzler Rug
by Merrill's Auctioneers & Appraisers
Est: $400- $600
$2001 Bid
Navajo / Dine, Rug
Feb 26, 11:00 AM CST
Navajo / Dine, Rug
by Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
Est: $400- $600
$501 Bid

Sellers Who Sell American Indian Rugs & Textiles


EJ'S Auction & Appraisal

EJ'S Auction & Appraisal

Matthew Bullock Auctioneers

Matthew Bullock Auctioneers

Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC

Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC

Clars Auctions

Clars Auctions