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A373 - Navajo Yei Rug - Weaver: Ruby White - Measurements: 28"W x 23 1/2"H - The art of weaving is an ancient art. Long before the popular Navajo rugs were woven, the Navajo people were weaving clothing and ceremonial items to be worn. Early rugs were called "saddle blankets", their size and texture made them perfect for throwing over a horse. In the late 1800's rugs became a popular tourist item and were bought by traders by their weight. At this time some of the weaving techniques were given up for larger loosely woven rugs with coarse unclean wool. This made the rugs heavier and brought a higher price. This period did not last long and again the weavers returned to the art of detailed designs and fine tightly woven rugs. The weaving of a rug is a long process. A loom must be built large enough to accommodate the size and vegetable dyes must be mixed for colors. Sheep must be sheared, the wool cleaned, carded and spun. Although each area on the Navajo reservations tends to have a style or pattern of their own it does not mean that a certain style is from a certain area. Rugs may be used as a wall hanging, across furniture, or on the floor. Fewer Navajos are weaving now which makes the availability of woven rugs harder to find.
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