Navajo Indian rugs, blankets and weavings
regional rug history - page 2

Wide Ruins became visible as a regional style during the Revival Period 1920-1940. Weavers in the Wide Ruins area make use of banded, unbordered designs reminiscent of Navajo Indian blankets; and colors were derived from all-vegetal dyes. The designs emphasize a range of soft pastel hues, but rather than the customary pale golds, greens and tans; the Wide Ruins weaver uses exquisite pinks, yellows, beiges, lilacs, blues, deep corals, rich grays, olive greens, and multiple shades of tans and browns. A wavy line pattern is sometimes evident, as are rows of arrows, and squash blossoms, a modernized version of the old Navajo Indian blankets serrated diamond pattern. Wide Ruins Navajo Indian rugs have a greater number of narrower bands and are typically more intricate in appearance than the Crystal Navajo Indian weavings.

Wide Ruins larger view

Two Grey Hills arose as a regional style center during the 1940's. These Navajo Indian rugs are distinguished by the bordered central lozenge design, and use of primarily undyed wools in tan, gray, brown, white and deep black. Borders are often double or sometimes multiple, and the central lozenge and corner stepped designs of these Navajo Indian weavings can be quite elaborate geometric patterns. The central lozenge is the focal point of the design, and lesser geometric arrangements are balanced in corners and along borders.

Two Grey Hills larger view

Shiprock Yei and Yeibichai achieved regional style status during the 1940's. The Shiprock Yei Navajo Indian rugs customarily have a white or light colored background, and incorporate bright, bold hues; a dozen or more colors may be used. Yei are deity and the figures are tall and slender and bearing ceremonial embellishments. Their postures are upright, faces are outward, and expressions are stiff. More elaborate Yei Navajo Indian weavings have a three-sided border, created by the elongated body of a rainbow goddess, extending down each side and across the bottom. Additional designs may include intervening cornstalks or arrows.

Yei larger view

Differing from the Shiprock Yei, the Yeibichai Navajo Indian rugs are usually bordered weavings and depict Navajo dancers impersonating Yei spirits. These dancers are more humanlike, and uplifted feet commonly suggest the action of the dance. Lukachukai was accepted during the 1950's as a second region or style center of Yei and Yeibichai Navajo Indian weavings. Contrasting the Shiprock Yeis, the Lukachukai rugs tend to have backgrounds of dark gray, tan, gold or brown, and Yei figures are less detailed and colorful. The Lukachukai Navajo Indian rugs are thicker, nubbier, and coarser.

Yeibichai larger view

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