Genuine Navajo traditional Dazzler All-Natural Wool Rug - 31 x 46

This is a beautiful example of fine Navajo artistry. This incredible hand woven traditional rug is made entirely from genuine wool that is not dyed or colored at all. The white, gray, and black shades come from white and black sheep. For the different shades of gray, the black and white or cream wools are hand mixed before being spun into yarn. This is a tight, symmetrical rug with a warp of 10 strands/inch and over 20 wefts per linear inch. All of the wool for this rug has been hand carded, spun, and woven by Navajo rug weaver Louise Johnson. Louise is so old she was born before they officially recorded the birth-date when registering Native Americans. Because of this, she is not even sure how old she is though she can guess between 85 and 90. Unfortunately, Louise will not be making many more rugs and we were lucky to get this one. This gorgeous genuine Navajo rug is 31-1/2" by 46".

According to Navajo (Dine') legend, it was the deity known as Spider Woman who taught a young Dine' shepherdess who was shivering from the cold the art of weaving upon a loom. After teaching her to sheer sheep, card, and spin wool Spider Woman told her: "My husband, Spider Man, constructed the weaving loom making the cross poles of sky and earth cords to support the structure; the warp sticks of sun rays, lengthwise to cross the woof; the heralds of rock crystal and sheet lightning to maintain original condition of fibers. For the batten, he chose a sun halo to seal joints, and for the comb he chose a white shell to clean strands in a combing manner." Spider Woman then warns the newly named Weaving Woman to "walk the Middle Way," keeping her life in balance and not to do too much of one thing. Good advice for someone taking on the challenge of weaving a large rug. Since Weaving Woman, the Dine' have always been accomplished weavers through the generations, hoping to pay proper homage to the Spider Woman and her husband.

We understand the true value and nature of hand crafted Indian art. And, we recognize that it is important to know that the artist is truly a member of a Native American tribe. So, to ensure you that this is the real deal, a Certificate of Authenticity has been included with this item.

CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC