Navajo Chief Blankets - An Abridged History Lesson



First Phase Cheif Blanket on the
Antiques Roadshow in Tuscon, AZ in 2002

I love the Antiques Roadshow.  In 2002, I saw what I still consider to be the BEST episode ever.  A humble looking man brought in an old blanket that he was curious about.  His grandmother had told him that it had been a gift to her foster parents from the legendary Kit Carson, so he believed it might have some value due to the lineage.  When the appraiser saw it for the first time, he nearly hyperventilated!  It was a pristine First Phase Ute Chief Blanket and he gave it a conservative value of $350,000 – Kit Carson or no.  Needless to say, the owner of the blanket was shocked.  To kick off my very own Trash or Treasure Traveling Rug Show, I decided that I should pay homage to the episode that planted the seed: Antiques Roadshow - First Phase Chief Blanket Surprise

An abridged history lesson:

Cheif Blanket as it
Should Be Worn

Blanket weaving was a learned skill.  The Navajo people picked it up from the Spanish settlers and from their neighbors, the Pueblos.  Eventually, their skill far surpassed that of their teachers and the “Classic Period” was born. Even though the Navajo didn't have chiefs of their own, they made blankets for the Ute, Cheyenne and Sioux chiefs to wear. They were expensive and were much lighter than animal hides. The quality was very impressive – almost waterproof because they were woven so tightly, and the bold stripes wrapped around the chief made him look quite imposing. 



This “First Phase” weaving period lasted from approximately 1750 until the internment of 8000 Navajo people at Fort Sumner in 1864.  The 300 mile “Long Walk of the Navajo” killed hundreds while on the journey and even more died in the prison camps. When they were finally released to their homelands four years later, the Navajo people discovered that their homes had been razed, their fields had been burned and their sheep had been killed.

Weaving a Third Phase Blanket
in a Modern Era

By about 1850, the Navajo weavers, aided by the westward trains and a more open trade philosophy, began a “Second Phase” of blanket weaving and then an overlapping “Third Phase.”  These later phases are differentiated from the First Phase by color, design motifs, the use of synthetic dyes, and wool quality. When large trading posts began to dot the region around 1890, the weavers segued from blankets to rugs.  Tourists would pay more money for an intricately patterned, quality rug.  Now there are many different types of Navajo rugs and they are typically valued at more money per square foot than even the finest Persian rugs.

The different Phases at a glance:

1^st Phase:
*basic striped pattern
*blue, black, brown, ivory

2^nd Phase:
*slightly more complicated striped pattern
*addition of red bars in the center and corners



3^rd Phase:
*complex wavy lines hidden in the striped pattern
*addition of serrated diamonds and triangles in the center and corners

If you would like more information on my Trash or Treasure Traveling Rug Show or if you have any questions for me to answer, I can be contacted by email: Lynn@rugadvocate.com





American Sarouk - Painted Beauty



Typical American Sarouk

I am often asked what my own favorite type of rug is. I have several, but the most affordable and utilitarian of my faves is the American Sarouk. They are well made, pretty to look at and they have such an interesting story...

Mottled Dyes

Called “American Sarouk” because they were specifically designed for American tastes and woven in Northwest Iran, these rugs are easily recognizable for their rich red and blue colors and detached floral spray patterns.  They are known for their durability and lustrous feel.  

Original Yarn Color on the Back,
Over-Dyed Yarn Color on the Face

The American Sarouk was produced for export and shipped primarily to New York in the 1920’s and 1930’s by the boatload. They were welcomed for their quality and sheen, but sadly, not for their color.  The rugs were simply too orange.  The remedy for this was to build warehouses where workers would spend their days over-dying or painting the orange-red areas with a more popular burgundy-red.  It was an interesting and effective solution to a costly problem.  Nearly 100 years later, those dyes are still holding fast, but are beginning to show signs of mottling and breaking down. While this should not affect a rug’s value, it may appear unsightly to some.


I can be contacted by email: Lynn@rugadvocate.com

Wet Rugs Happen

Storms happen. Overflows happen. Pipe breaks happen. Sewer back-ups happen. 
Wet rugs happen.  



Not the best method, but it's a start!

In the event of a small, clean water flood such as a dishwasher over flow or washing machine overflow, you will want to remove the water from the rug as quickly as you can.  Draping rugs over fences or railings is not recommended. Rather, extract as much water out of the rugs as possible and dry the rugs flat to minimize any potential drip-dry dye bleeding or permanent discoloration.  If you dry outdoors, dry the rugs upside-down to minimize sun fading.  Professional cleaning is always recommended so that any impurities and alkaline detergents can be properly removed.

It is important to note that if wet rugs are allowed to dry too slowly, or in a place that is not humidity controlled, it is only a matter of time (hours, NOT days!) before mold and mildew begin to grow and for the dyes bleed.  Do try to get to them as quickly as possible.

Heavy, dirty and unsanitary.

If your textiles have been exposed to a Category 2, or worse, a Category 3 situation, you will want to contact a company that has technicians specially trained to properly clean, deodorize and sanitize your rugs before returning them to your home.  Never try to tackle this type of clean up on your own – it could pose a serious health hazard to you and your family.  Call a professional to help you.

I can be contacted by email: Lynn@rugadvocate.com

One Man's Trash

If you know where to send it, a fairly trashed rug can become a treasure!

About 10 years ago, this Hamadan came in to the shop so badly moth infested that when the rug owner dropped it on the floor, a cloud of live carpet moths flew out! 

Having no real attachment to the rug, the owner asked if I would dispose of it for her.  I was happy to oblige!  I “disposed” of it right onto the wash floor, where it was treated with a pesticide to help kill the various cycles of carpet moths (eggs, larvae, flying moths), cleaned on the front and back, hung in a heated drying room to dry, and then sent to the repairer for evaluation. 

Visible Moth Damage, Patched Corner



It was decided that the rug needed new edges, the fringe ends needed to be secured and the corner of the rug needed to be filled in.  Since the rug had no monetary value left to it after such extensive moth damage, we decided to simply patch the missing corner rather than re-weave it. 

Not New, But Very Useable!

The rug has been used in my own front hallway ever since!

The cost to do all of these repairs to this particular rug would have been too high for a regularly paying customer, but you should always have your textiles evaluated before disposing of them...just in case you are sitting (or standing!) on a treasure.

I can be contacted by email: Lynn@rugadvocate.com

Happy treasure hunting!!

Area Rug Storage

For those of you who are part-timers here in Florida or for anyone thinking about taking up your area rugs for the hot summer months, the following guidelines may be useful to you…

Step  #1: Cleaning
To better protect your rugs from damage that may occur while you’re not looking, it is best to first clean your rugs. Proper, professional cleaning prior to storage will do a couple of things: it will remove dirt and oils that may lead to dry rot if left unclean and it will remove any potential moths or other insects that may be hiding in the fibers of your rug.

Step  #2: Wrapping
Where are you going to store the rugs? In an attic, basement or garage?  Behind the sofa? The location will determine how you should package the rugs.  A cool, dry place is best and a simple brown craft paper wrapping will usually suffice.  If an attic or garage is the only option, you should really consider wrapping in Ty-Vec –a breathable, water-resistant, hard to puncture paper.  If the rug is not being stored in your living space, I would further recommend the addition of moth flakes to the bundle.  It’s a little smelly, but the added protection from unwanted bugs and rodents is priceless!

Step #3: Rolling vs. Folding
If at all possible, avoid folding your area rugs for storage. Folding will put undue stress on the foundation and can contribute to cracks, holes and permanent creases, especially in the case of latex-backed rugs.  Rolling the rugs for storage is always best.

Step #4: Elevate!
Rugs in storage should not be placed on the floor or against the wall. If possible, get the bundles up on to a table or across a few chairs. This will help condensation from building up where the package meets a solid surface.  I don’t even have to tell you how this will help in the case of a flood, a real concern during hurricane season here in Florida!! Speaking of water damage…

Disasters happen.
Have a plan... Just in case.



Step #5: In Case of Emergency
Please have someone looking out for your property when you’re not there! Even if it’s just a neighbor who will call you in case of rising waters or obvious roof damage after a storm. Hopefully, you will be able to get those wet rugs to a professional cleaner soon! Leaving rugs rolled up while wet will increase your chances of mold and mildew damage as well as contributing to

run colors and rot.

As always, I am available to answer any questions you may have… Keep them coming!

You can reach me by email: Lynn@rugadvocate.com