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- Tips on Purchasing & Care Of
- Native American Arts & Crafts
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- Navaho Rugs - Buying Tips
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- When assessing the quality of a Navajo Rug or Weaving please
consider following these steps:
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- Open the rug and lay it flat on the floor.
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- Check for design consistency on both sides of the rug. Is it
symmetrical, are the edges parallel to each other, do the corners curl? If the corners
curl than it is best to pass on the rug because it will never lie or hang well.
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- Fold the rug upon itself both ways to see that the edges meet
closely and are of equal length. Any gross variations represent a pretty significant flaw.
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- Check rug thickness. The thicker it is the less value it has when
all other factors are the same. In any event the thickness of the rug should be
consistent.
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- Warp threads should not be visible without spreading the weft.
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- Check the warp to see what it is made of. Cotton warp will
generally be multi ply where as wool warp should be single ply. Cotton warp
diminishes the value of a weaving.
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- Tips for evaluating
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- The following items should help you to evaluate rugs
comparatively. Remember that these are only guidelines and should be viewed accordingly.
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- As the fineness(wefts per inch) of the weave increases so does
its' value.
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- The more complex the design the higher the value.
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- The more geometrically correct the design and rug edges are the
higher the value.
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- The more well known the weaver the higher the value.
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- Vegetal dyed rugs are generally more valuable than commercially
dyed rugs.
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- Tips for the Care of your Navaho Rug
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- When hanging your rug use a method which does not damage the warp.
A velcro strip with an adhesive back is one method which seems to work well. These are
usually available at sewing centers or even at traders who deal in Navaho rugs.
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- When lying your rugs on the floor it is best to provide a pad
under them so heels don't damage the warp.
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- Vacuum your rug often to remove abrasive materials which may have
accumulated on them. This will also aid in keeping them insect free.
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- Flip your rugs every 90 days, if possible, so as to expose the
hidden side to fresh air. This is thought to help diminish the chances for insect
infestation. I have followed this hint and have never had any moth infestation in my
rugs.
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- Place cedar chips behind or beneath rugs to help protect against
moths.
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- When cleaning your rug always take it to someone who has
experience in cleaning either Navaho, Persian or Oriental rugs. Harsh chemicals can cause
the colors to bleed and otherwise harm the integrity of your weaving.
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- Navaho Rugs
Pottery Baskets
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