Navajo Very Large Crystal Trading Post Rug, circa 1940s [SOLD]

This is a Navajo Very Large Crystal Trading Post Rug, circa 1940s.  The basic field of this Navajo textile was woven from all native wool, carded from brown sheep and white sheep, resulting in a beautiful blend of varying brown shades of color.  The other carded color is gray, a blend of white and black yarns.  It is possible that the black wool has been overdyed with commercial dye to enhance its color, otherwise, there is no dye in the rug.

The central stepped diamond of white yarn contains a brown stepped element which, in turn, contains a gray and white pictorial element.  The stepped triangles on the corners of the white stepped diamond quite possibly represent spider woman crosses.  Below and above this large stepped diamond is a white triangle containing a gray figure which, quite possibly, represents the Yeibichai house with an evergreen tree.  This design explanation is speculative on our part.  Perhaps the entire design is nothing more than geometric shapes, but it is more interesting to speculate on meanings.

Condition:  appears to be in very good condition, with no visible repairs noticed.

Provenance: from a private collection

Recommended Reading:  One Hundred Years of Navajo Rugs by Marian Rodee