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Handwoven 1950s Navajo Pictorial Rug, Rare Zebra, Clouds & Birds Design
About the Item
This rare and visually striking vintage Navajo rug was handwoven in the 1950s and features a unique pictorial design that sets it apart from traditional Southwestern weavings. A one-of-a-kind composition, the textile includes an African zebra, tree, clouds, and birds—alongside the woven text "Africa Zebra"—making it an exceptional example of mid-century Navajo creativity and storytelling.
Crafted by a Diné (Navajo) weaver using native hand-spun wool, the rug displays a bold, graphic palette of natural brown, ivory (white), and black fleece tones. The incorporation of both imagery and text reflects a narrative style not commonly seen in Navajo rugs, suggesting a possible connection to trade, travel, or cross-cultural symbolism during the post-war era.
This handcrafted textile is well-suited for use as a decorative wall hanging or tapestry, a statement area rug, or even as a furniture throw. Its whimsical pictorial content and bold contrast make it a perfect conversation piece for collectors, designers, and lovers of folk and Indigenous art.
The Diné (Navajo) are an Indigenous people native to the Southwestern United States. Today, the Navajo Nation encompasses parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, and is widely recognized for its rich weaving traditions, passed down through generations of artisans.
This 1950s pictorial rug is not only a beautiful piece of Native American textile art, but also a rare cultural artifact that captures a unique moment of visual storytelling in Navajo weaving history.
- Creator:Navajo (Artist)
- Dimensions:Width: 28.25 in (71.76 cm)Length: 37 in (93.98 cm)
- Style:Native American (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1955
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Has been recently cleaned by a Navajo textile specialist. Minor staining as evidenced in photographs. No known restoration work and none is recommended.
- Seller Location:Denver, CO
- Reference Number:Seller: DCG-DCP-265301stDibs: LU1004636151202
About the Seller
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1stDibs seller since 2013
147 sales on 1stDibs
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