Crystal Trading Post Storm Pattern Rug [R]

Between release of his 1903 catalog and his 1911 catalog, J. B. Moore published loose leaf sheets of Navajo rugs that could be purchased. The first one of the loose leafs was labeled Plate IX and it was an image of a Storm Pattern rug which Moore stated “Special Design and Weave by ‘Dug-gau-eth-lun bi Dazhie.’”   When he published his 1911 catalog, he replaced the Storm Pattern rug in the loose leaf sheet with a new design that he labeled Plate XXVIII and it was being made by the same weaver.

Moore’s comments on the rug in Plate XXVIII are as follows:

“From ‘ER-20’ class, original 64x92 inches in size.  This pattern is one of the really legendary designs embodying a portion of the Navajo mythology.  Not many weavers will do it for superstitious reasons and on that account its production is practically confined to one family or clan.  It is an improved adaptation of Plate IX, also originated by this same woman, and done in red, white and black.  She, and her immediate relatives, have been making it as shown here for two or three years past, and the rug has never failed to satisfy when shown to a prospective buyer.  The trouble has been to get enough of them made, and to overcome this is the main purpose of this engraving.  With the pattern for a working model, we hope to get other weavers to making it.

‘“ER-20” class, original 64x92 inches up to 6x9feet and price, 90¢ to $1.00 per square foot, or $21.00 to $23.50 for small, and up or down, according to size. Made to order in any size and colors desired at price in proportion to size, but the colors shown can hardly be improved upon.

“Very rarely done in the ‘T-XX’ class, but at $1.00 to $2.00 per lb., if we should chance to have any.  Not made to order in this class.”

According to Moore, “ER-20” was the top grade and only the best wool was purchased.  The wool was then shipped off to be thoroughly cleaned and returned to the trading post.  It was then spun into yarn and dyed in the yarn, with a very superior and different dye too, than that used in the trade woven rugs, thus insuring even and absolutely fast colors.  The wool was then issued out to weavers who have proven their skill by their work, just sufficient for one rug at a time.

The design in the center of the rug has been described as the place of emergence of The People.  The four squares in the corners of the rug represent the four sacred mountains which are at the edge of and define the Navajo Reservation.  The two red whirling logs are from a Navajo ceremonial sandpainting from the Night Chant.  The pair of black and red images at the center edge of both ends of the rug represent water bugs.

Condition: good condition

Whirling Log Symbol: the swastika - or "svastika" from the ancient Sanskrit language - is one of our most universal and positive symbols. Literally it means "auspicious mark", but in various cultures it has signified well-being, highest perfection, happiness, pleasure or good luck.