Mid-19th Century North and South American Rugs

These were used as cover rather than rugs. Lots of wool pieces have been used to make this appliqué cover.

A handmade one of a kind American Hooked Rug from the 3rd quarter of the 20th century with an irregular checkerboard pattern Measures: 3' x 5'7''.

A handmade American hooked rug from the mid-20th century depicting a head of a Native American on a brown field. Condition is really nice. No stains, no tears, has been professionall...

This amazing hand hooked mounted rug with multi braided borders is 19th century and in very good condition. This fantastic work of art comes from Ex Stephen Score Antiques Inc. colle...

Discover a piece of Native American artistry with this antique handwoven Navajo transitional rug, dating back to circa 1900. Crafted meticulous...

An antique Navajo rug from southwest America distinguished by an allover pattern of cruciform elements on a soft grey background. Rugs if this type have been collected for their auth...

A vintage American rag rug handmade during the mid-20th century. Measures: 3' 6" x 5' 8" North American rugs & carpets: North American has never developed a unified handmade rug tradition, but rather it is the unassimilated confluence of several. From Mexico comes the Saltillo serape wearing blanket, and this stimulates the Navajo and Rio Grande (Colorado) weavers, first as blankets, then as rugs. The thrifty habits of rural America gave rise to the New England (and Western Canadian) hooked rug types, while the farmers of the Midwest recycled their disused garments into braided and rag rugs. The closest to a real ongoing tradition are the Southwestern (New Mexican) Navajo rugs. By the 1860s the native tribes were weaving wearing blankets with wool from the Spanish churro sheep. These were in stripe design, with combinations of undyed wool with cochineal reds and indigo blues. The multi-phase “Chief’s Blankets” from the 1870s-80s are a natural outgrowth of these. Machine spun red wool from Germantown in Pennsylvania appeared in the 1870s with a bright red hitherto unobtainable. The weavers loved it and blankets appeared with bright reds, generally aniline, in “eye dazzler” patterns. Anglo traders established posts beginning in the 1890s. Navajo weavings were perfect accompaniments not only for Western-themed decors, but for East Coast apartments, only they needed to be thicker and more rug like to be truly accepted. The traders brought Caucasian and Turkish village rugs to copy, borders were introduced and central medallions devised. The weavers continued to create on vertical looms, with a shared warp (dovetailing) weft structure to avoid slits. The warps were cotton string. Sizes were generally scatters, but occasionally a special order came in, hence antique room size Navajos are very rare and very pricey. Distinct village/pueblo styles developed. Among the best are: Two Grey Hills (considered the tightest, closest of all Navajo weaving), Crystal Springs, and Ganado. Certain new patterns such as the “Storm pattern” with jagged lightning bolts emanating from a dark cloud developed. The Yei rug with dancing Kachina doll figures became popular. The palette has been expanded beyond the classic grey, tan, dark brown, and cream natural wool combination to again include reds, blues, and greens. Navajo pictorials include American flags, trains, and automobiles, domestic and local scenes and scenery. Individual artist weavers now command gallery shows and correspondingly elevated prices. There are several levels of Navajo work, and antique and vintage scatters with simple flat designs, medium weaves, and tritonal palettes, and in good floor worthy condition are still available reasonably. The Native American weaving tradition extends into Colorado with two-piece scatters with sharp sawtooth medallions and striped end borders, with wool tapestry weave on cotton warps. These descend from the Saltillo blankets...

A nicely hand loomed Native American (likely Navajo) rug. Wonderfully designed with vivid colors and geometrical patterns. Would make for a nice additio...

This vibrant red ground Mexican or American Indian weaving has bold colors and in great condition. The backing is in a black cotton linen and down and feather fill.

A nicely made, handwoven Navajo rug. Would be a nice addition to your Native American collection or eye-catching accent piece. Dimensions: 38" high, 48" wide.

Navajo Double Saddle Blanket, circa 1900. R.B. 71211 woven on front top half. Weaving measures 47 x 23 ¼ inches.

A vintage American Braid round/circular accent rug handmade during the mid-20th century. Measures: 7' 1" x 7' 1".