A rare and striking Navajo Rug early 20th-century Navajo weaving, Crystal-style

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Woven between 1915 and 1930, this rug hails from the influential Crystal region, located in northwest New Mexico near the … Read more Woven between 1915 and 1930, this rug hails from the influential Crystal region, located in northwest New Mexico near the Navajo Reservation. Under the guidance of pioneering trader J.B. Moore, local Navajo weavers were introduced to new symmetrical, bordered designs while still using traditional techniques, motifs, and hand-spun wool. This piece likely originates from that era of innovation and artistic fusion. It represents the powerful merging of ancient storytelling and the early 20th-century textile trade. The rug’s composition is anchored by bold geometric motifs with traditional stepped patterns and mirrored symmetry — hallmarks of the Crystal and Ganado regional styles. The central “butterfly” or “bowtie” forms may reference balance, transformation, or harmony, themes deeply rooted in Navajo cosmology. A striking border of interlocking red and gray stepped meanders frames the central field, drawing the eye inward while offering a grounded sense of structure — a design often referred to in collector circles as a "Moore plate-style" border. Fiber: 100% hand-spun, hand-carded Churro wool, prized for its durability, softness, and luster. Natural wool tones (cream, gray, brown) reflect the weaver’s use of undyed fleece from local sheep. Aniline red dye, introduced through early trading posts, adds vivid contrast and was likely sourced from period dye packets (e.g., Diamond Dyes or Wells & Richardson Co.). The slight variations in tone, known as abrash, testify to its handmade authenticity. This rug is an exceptional artifact of the transitional period in Navajo weaving, when commercial dyes met indigenous skill. This piece is in very good antique condition, with strong selvage edges and minimal wear for its age. Carpet Measures: 5'5"x7'8" See less