Navajo Cloud Pictorial Textile, c.1930

Item: ZOR1048C
Material: handspun wool
Size: 52 3/4" x 103"
Period: Historic
Origin: Navajo

This is an early 20th century Navajo pictorial rug woven entirely in native hand spun wool in natural ivory, dark brown, hand carded gray, vegetal dyed brown & gold, and aniline dyed orange and red. The design features seven mirrored pairs of cloud figures, with lightning bolts extending from the top, divided by a long rectangle of diagonal bands in alternating bright colors, across center of a gray field. The field is further decorated with a row of repeating feather motifs across top and bottom and is bordered by a thick band of dark brown with a stepped band comprised of ivory, brown, and red on the interior. The cloud motifs are given faces because Navajo beliefs are very animistic, meaning all objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence. The clouds specifically represent the sacred place where the Gods live, and separate the mortal world from theirs. Clouds are also symbolic of water and life force, so important to the southwest tribes, and are considered to represent very powerful restorative and nourishing powers.

SOLD