Tapestry Weave Two Grey Hills Rug [SOLD]

Two Grey Hills Trading Post is over a century old, and one of the few remaining historic posts on the Navajo Indian Reservation. It is the primary source of authentic regional rugs and tapestries. Made of hand spun yarn from the fleece of naturally colored local sheep in shades of gray, brown, black and white, they are known around the world as the finest in Navajo weaving.

Since the early 1900s the weavers in the Two Grey Hills region, with the guidance of the traders, have produced rugs that are recognized everywhere as the pinnacle of the art. Artists there have challenged each other to spin the tightest yarns and to create the most intricate designs on their looms. Their trademark colors are the natural colors of the local sheep; grays and browns, white and black.

The trading post is managed by Mr. Les Wilson, and boasts a herd of Churro sheep, whose different colors of wool allow natural yarn for traditional Two Grey Hills rug colors, with no dyes needed. The original stone and adobe store, listed in the New Mexico Register of Cultural Properties, still serves the local Navajo population today.

This small rug is typical of those from Two Grey Hills with its intricate design layout and use of only natural wool from local sheep, without the use of commercial dyes.  The wool was spun numerous times to achieve the thinnest thread with which to weave.  The light tan color was achieved by carding dark brown and white wool, and the gray by blending the white and brown wool. 

Condition: good condition

Provenance: this Tapestry Weave Two Grey Hills Rug is from a gentleman from Santa Fe

Recommended Reading: Navajo Weaving in the Late Twentieth Century by Ann Hedlund