Dates: 1870-1885 Size: 202 x 153 cm; 15 warps(comma) 64 wefts Description: This rug is tied to the Hubbell Trading post established in Ganado(comma) Arizona(comma) in 1876 by Lorenzo Hubbell. Hubbell was one of two major traders integral in promoting Navajo weaving in the Euro-American market. Initial designs made at the Post incorporated traditional Navajo weaving designs(comma) while in the early 20th century styles began to incorporate popular Near East motifs. The Hubbell Revival (or Old Ganado) style of rug is characterized by stepped diamonds and embellished triangles. The color of such rugs is typically dominated by red with black(comma) gray(comma) and ivory details. This example was originally thought to be a traditional (pre-trading post) blanket(comma) but was made with Germantown(comma) PA(comma) and handspun indigo yarns in a pattern that is found on one of the Hubbell Trading Post design paintings.
Dates: 1960 Size: 172 x 107.5 cm; 12 warps(comma) 34 wefts Description: The Ye'ii Bicheii rug is similar to the Ye'ii design but the figures are portrayed in profile and symbolize human dancers representing deities rather than the deities themselves. These dancers are participants in the Nightway Chant(comma) which is a nine day Navajo healing ceremony. At the lead of the dancers(comma) in a white mask(comma) is the Ye'ii Bicheii(comma) or “Talking God” who appears on the last day of the ceremony. Often the design incorporates a Medicine Man (Hatathli) at the head of the line(comma) facing the lead dance(comma) and a Clown(comma) or Water Sprinkler(comma) at the end of the line of dancers. The Ye'ii Bicheii rug design is not as common as the regular Ye'ii version.
Dates: 1880-1890 Size: 344 x 328.5 cm; 11 warps(comma) 52 wefts Description: Eyedazzler designs are known for their unusually bright colors and intricate designs that create an optical effect. The bright colors are a result of Germantown(comma) PA(comma) wool yarns that were traded/supplied to Navajo weavers predominantly during the Transitional Period (1880-1895). Blankets from the Transitional Period are characterized by banded ends. This example was made of commercial yarn and consists of 6 distinct patterns woven like a sampler. The large rug could have been used to demonstrate a variety of rug patterns available at one of the trading posts.
Dates: 1953 Size: 217 x 125 cm; 10 warps(comma) 26 wefts Description: The Nazlini style of Navajo rug is a variation of the regional Chinle style developed in the 1930's. Similar to the Pine Springs and Wide Ruin regional styles developed during the same period(comma) the Chinle style consists of banded designs without borders created using earth tone colors. Common designs in Chinle bands include chevrons(comma) stars(comma) squash blossoms(comma) and diamonds. The Nazlini variation incorporates stylized plant motifs in place of repeating geometrics for some bands. This rug was woven by Mary Van Winkle of natural and aniline dyed wools to create shades of black(comma) white(comma) grey(comma) brown(comma) red(comma) yellow(comma) and green.