{"id":9106375114974,"title":"What is My Rug Worth??","handle":"what-is-my-rug-worth","description":"\u003cp\u003eHere at Nizhoni Ranch Gallery we get our fair share of inquiries about Navajo rugs people have inherited from family members.  Most stories begin with something like \"my grandmother bought a weaving from a trading post while vacationing in the Southwest\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe main question we are asked is \"what is it worth?\"   The answer is:  it depends...  In valuing weavings we suggest keeping the following things at the forefront:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize, Condition, Complexity of Design, Age, Tightness of weave, Types of dyes used (natural vs aniline) and provenance.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eYes, size matters - a lot.  Big rugs are rare which of course increases value.  Past and present weavers typically weave small to medium size rugs.  One reason is limited space.  The larger the rug, the larger the loom.  Many Navajo live in homes that have low ceilings and low square footage, which makes it nearly impossible for many weavers to take on large rugs.  Another is the amount of time it takes to weave large rugs.  Large rugs can take a year or more to complete.  Weaver's payday typically come when they sell their rug.  Which means fewer weavers then and now take on large rugs.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Navajo Weavers at loom\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/navajo_weavers_l_large.jpg?v=1549481508\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe condition of a Navajo Rug will of course affect the value.  Pay attention to any damage,  if it is clean,  edges are damages,  if there is any fading (one side is lighter than the other), if the wool colors have run, stains, etc. There are talented rug restores out there, yet some issues just cannot be fixed.  Navajo rugs that have serious damage may not not even be worth the original cost.  One rug restoration company we recommend our customers to is: \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca title=\"Enver From Denver website\" href=\"http:\/\/enverfromdenver.com\/\"\u003eEnver From Denver. \u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1840 to 1950\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNavajo rugs before the 1950's we consider historic or antique.  Navajo weavings started to become popular at about the turn of the century. Navajo Textiles from 1800's have a much higher value - and they don't have to be in perfect condition.  Just ask\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca title=\"Lt and his amazing rags to riches story\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9cGlS05233Q\"\u003eBig LT... and his amazing weaving\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"First Phase Chief Blanket John Moran Auctioneers\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/1st_Phase_-_LT_Moran_Auction_large.JPG?v=1555092804\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWorth Millions...\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/products\/double-saddle-blanket-historic-navajo-weaving-ght-2312?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=cc2810f47\u0026amp;_ss=r\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/navajo-double-saddle-blanket_360x_05fe3796-511a-47cc-a0ba-a5f3b6dd0b70_large.jpg?v=1563645700\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Double Saddle Blanket : Historic Navajo Weaving : GHT 2312\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/historic\/products\/double-saddle-blanket-historic-navajo-weaving-ght-2312\"\u003eDouble Saddle Blanket,  35\" x 58\", Circa 1900-1910\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Double Saddle Blanket : Historic Navajo Weaving : GHT 2312\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/historic\/products\/double-saddle-blanket-historic-navajo-weaving-ght-2312\"\u003eGHT 2312, $ 1,250\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1940 to 1970\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn mid 1900 the Southwest was all the rage.  The Navajo keyed in on this and began weaving rugs for tourists.  A perfect and inexpensive souvenir that could easily fit in a suitcase to take home.  Navajo weavers would set up along side tourist routes.  Few tourists could resist a beautiful piece of art.  The weavings were small in size, designs were simple yet colorful, not always finely woven and not with the best wool.  These weavings typically have a moderate value.  Not necessarily a valuable family heirloom, but a warm reminder of who passed it down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Antique Navajo Weaving: Yei Pictorial : GHT 2304\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/products\/antique-navajo-weaving-yei-pcitorial-ght-2304?_pos=5\u0026amp;_sid=dc24e5f36\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Antique Navajo Weaving: Yei Pictorial : GHT 2304\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/ght-2304-blue-corn-yei-pictorial-navajo-rug_540x_be907613-40e7-4adc-83ff-00c24357f109_large.jpg?v=1563646047\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca title=\"Antique Navajo Weaving: Yei Pictorial : GHT 2304\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/products\/antique-navajo-weaving-yei-pcitorial-ght-2304?_pos=5\u0026amp;_sid=dc24e5f36\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eYei Pictorial, 41\" x 60\", Circa 1940-1950, GHT 2304, $4,500\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/products\/antique-navajo-weaving-yei-pcitorial-ght-2304?_pos=5\u0026amp;_sid=dc24e5f36\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1970 to Present\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eToday's \u003ca title=\"Nizhoni Ranch Gallery Contemporary weavings\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/contemporary\"\u003eContemporary Navajo rugs\u003c\/a\u003e, can range from \u003ca title=\"Nizhoni Ranch Gallery contemporary rugs under $500\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/contemporary\/under-500\"\u003eUNDER $500 \u003c\/a\u003eup to many thousands of dollars. The number of Navajo weavers working today is dwindling. Many Navajo are not learning this sacred Navajo weaving tradition, as it is a very time consuming, the pay is inconsistent and requires discipline in learning the art form.   \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Getzwiller Collection of Contemporary Navajo Weavings 1975-2000\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/pages\/churro-collection-2001-gallery\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Getzwiller Collection of Contemporary Navajo Weavings 1975-2000\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/pages\/churro-collection-2001-gallery\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Navajo Saddle Blanket - Double : Rose Bennie : Nizhoni Ranch Gallery : SG 26\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/genuine-navajo-saddle-blanket-SG26_360x_b6ef6e6e-0082-4ab4-8ff5-4df558df3dbd_large.jpg?v=1563646347\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca title=\"Navajo Saddle Blanket - Double : Rose Bennie : Nizhoni Ranch Gallery : SG 26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/that-70s-saddle-blanket-show\/products\/navajo-saddle-blanket-double-rose-bennie-nizhoni-ranch-gallery-sg-26\"\u003eSaddle Blanket, 32\" x 63\", Circa 1970-1980, SG 28, $ 1,000\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eComplexity\/Tightness\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Navajo Rug Styles Descriptions\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/pages\/navajo-rug-descriptions\"\u003eThere are 28 Styles of Navajo Rugs\u003c\/a\u003e. Some Styles are more difficult to weave than others. Complexity and tightness of the weave affect the value. Generally speaking, the tighter and finer the weave, the more valuable the piece. Teec Nos Pos is generally considered the most intricate design.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Teec Nos Pos, Geraldine Phillips, Churro # 1574\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/churro-collection\/products\/teec-nos-pos-navajo-rug-geraldine-phillips-churro-1574\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/products\/very-large-teec-nos-pos-navajo-rug-churro-1574_large.jpg?v=1535408665\" alt=\"extra large Teec Nos Pos Navajo rug for sale\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/churro-collection\/products\/teec-nos-pos-navajo-rug-geraldine-phillips-churro-1574\"\u003eNavajo Churro Collection,  \u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca title=\"Teec Nos Pos, Geraldine Phillips, Churro # 1574\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/churro-collection\/products\/teec-nos-pos-navajo-rug-geraldine-phillips-churro-1574\"\u003eTeec Nos Pos,  Geraldine Phillips,  6\"1\" x 12'1\", Churro wool, Circa 2015  Geraldine won Best of Category for large rugs in 2015.  Churro # 1574\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/churro-collection\/products\/teec-nos-pos-navajo-rug-geraldine-phillips-churro-1574\"\u003e, $16,000\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural Dyes vs Aniline\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUsing natural dyes vs aniline dyes (commercial chemical dye).  Natural dyes add value because of the extra time it takes to hand dye the wool.  Hand dying wool with natural dyes can take almost as much time as weaving the rug.  See a previous blog we wrote on natural dyes: \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca title=\"Blog on using natural dyes\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/blogs\/news\/dyeing-art\"\u003eAn Organic Experience\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvenance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance is the history of the weaver and ownership of the weaving.  When the history of a weaving can be verified it takes on a whole new value.  The well known story of the PBS Antique Roadshow Ute blanket's provenance went all the way back to Kit Carson. \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca title=\"Antique Roadshow Ute Blanket video\" href=\"http:\/\/www.pbs.org\/wgbh\/roadshow\/season\/6\/tucson-az\/appraisals\/navajo-first-phase-blanket--200101A48\/\"\u003eA must see video from Antique Road Show - warning it is a tear jerker!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"PBS Antique Roadshow Ute First Phase Blanket\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=WJw2qCnhea0\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http:\/\/www-tc.pbs.org\/prod-media\/antiques-roadshow\/__sized__\/Images\/Tucson_20010609_01\/200101A48\/IMG0002-crop-c0-39__0-43-676x380.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Antique Roadshow Ute Blanket\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=WJw2qCnhea0\"\u003e First Phase Ute Blanket, circa 1850,  PBS Antique Roadshow\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Bottom Line\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf you want to get an accurate value on a weaving,  contact a certified appraiser that specializes in Native American art, or better yet Navajo weavings.  Nizhoni Ranch does not do appraisals, as we are not certified appraisers.  We suggest contacting Joan Caballero Appraisals in New Mexico : website   \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.collectorsguide.com\/jcaballero\"\u003ehttp:\/\/www.collectorsguide.com\/jcaballero\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2026-01-23T14:10:14-07:00","created_at":"2026-01-23T14:06:15-07:00","vendor":"Nizhoni Ranch Gallery","type":"","tags":["Articles","more","no-price-showing"],"price":0,"price_min":0,"price_max":0,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":47854913061086,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":null,"requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"What is My Rug Worth??","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":0,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":0,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"deny","barcode":null,"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/IMG_0183_58ec2304-0adf-4b23-8f18-3930436fd9f5.jpg?v=1748635621"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/IMG_0183_58ec2304-0adf-4b23-8f18-3930436fd9f5.jpg?v=1748635621","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":"How Steve Getzwiller's Passion for Collecting Turned into The Nizhoni Ranch Gallery - Nizhoni Ranch Gallery","id":36358141411550,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.5,"height":1365,"width":2048,"src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/IMG_0183_58ec2304-0adf-4b23-8f18-3930436fd9f5.jpg?v=1748635621"},"aspect_ratio":1.5,"height":1365,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.navajorug.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/IMG_0183_58ec2304-0adf-4b23-8f18-3930436fd9f5.jpg?v=1748635621","width":2048}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eHere at Nizhoni Ranch Gallery we get our fair share of inquiries about Navajo rugs people have inherited from family members.  Most stories begin with something like \"my grandmother bought a weaving from a trading post while vacationing in the Southwest\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe main question we are asked is \"what is it worth?\"   The answer is:  it depends...  In valuing weavings we suggest keeping the following things at the forefront:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize, Condition, Complexity of Design, Age, Tightness of weave, Types of dyes used (natural vs aniline) and provenance.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eYes, size matters - a lot.  Big rugs are rare which of course increases value.  Past and present weavers typically weave small to medium size rugs.  One reason is limited space.  The larger the rug, the larger the loom.  Many Navajo live in homes that have low ceilings and low square footage, which makes it nearly impossible for many weavers to take on large rugs.  Another is the amount of time it takes to weave large rugs.  Large rugs can take a year or more to complete.  Weaver's payday typically come when they sell their rug.  Which means fewer weavers then and now take on large rugs.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Navajo Weavers at loom\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/navajo_weavers_l_large.jpg?v=1549481508\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe condition of a Navajo Rug will of course affect the value.  Pay attention to any damage,  if it is clean,  edges are damages,  if there is any fading (one side is lighter than the other), if the wool colors have run, stains, etc. There are talented rug restores out there, yet some issues just cannot be fixed.  Navajo rugs that have serious damage may not not even be worth the original cost.  One rug restoration company we recommend our customers to is: \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca title=\"Enver From Denver website\" href=\"http:\/\/enverfromdenver.com\/\"\u003eEnver From Denver. \u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1840 to 1950\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNavajo rugs before the 1950's we consider historic or antique.  Navajo weavings started to become popular at about the turn of the century. Navajo Textiles from 1800's have a much higher value - and they don't have to be in perfect condition.  Just ask\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca title=\"Lt and his amazing rags to riches story\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9cGlS05233Q\"\u003eBig LT... and his amazing weaving\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"First Phase Chief Blanket John Moran Auctioneers\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/1st_Phase_-_LT_Moran_Auction_large.JPG?v=1555092804\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWorth Millions...\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/products\/double-saddle-blanket-historic-navajo-weaving-ght-2312?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=cc2810f47\u0026amp;_ss=r\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/navajo-double-saddle-blanket_360x_05fe3796-511a-47cc-a0ba-a5f3b6dd0b70_large.jpg?v=1563645700\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Double Saddle Blanket : Historic Navajo Weaving : GHT 2312\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/historic\/products\/double-saddle-blanket-historic-navajo-weaving-ght-2312\"\u003eDouble Saddle Blanket,  35\" x 58\", Circa 1900-1910\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Double Saddle Blanket : Historic Navajo Weaving : GHT 2312\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/historic\/products\/double-saddle-blanket-historic-navajo-weaving-ght-2312\"\u003eGHT 2312, $ 1,250\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1940 to 1970\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn mid 1900 the Southwest was all the rage.  The Navajo keyed in on this and began weaving rugs for tourists.  A perfect and inexpensive souvenir that could easily fit in a suitcase to take home.  Navajo weavers would set up along side tourist routes.  Few tourists could resist a beautiful piece of art.  The weavings were small in size, designs were simple yet colorful, not always finely woven and not with the best wool.  These weavings typically have a moderate value.  Not necessarily a valuable family heirloom, but a warm reminder of who passed it down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Antique Navajo Weaving: Yei Pictorial : GHT 2304\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/products\/antique-navajo-weaving-yei-pcitorial-ght-2304?_pos=5\u0026amp;_sid=dc24e5f36\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Antique Navajo Weaving: Yei Pictorial : GHT 2304\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/ght-2304-blue-corn-yei-pictorial-navajo-rug_540x_be907613-40e7-4adc-83ff-00c24357f109_large.jpg?v=1563646047\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca title=\"Antique Navajo Weaving: Yei Pictorial : GHT 2304\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/products\/antique-navajo-weaving-yei-pcitorial-ght-2304?_pos=5\u0026amp;_sid=dc24e5f36\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eYei Pictorial, 41\" x 60\", Circa 1940-1950, GHT 2304, $4,500\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/products\/antique-navajo-weaving-yei-pcitorial-ght-2304?_pos=5\u0026amp;_sid=dc24e5f36\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1970 to Present\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eToday's \u003ca title=\"Nizhoni Ranch Gallery Contemporary weavings\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/contemporary\"\u003eContemporary Navajo rugs\u003c\/a\u003e, can range from \u003ca title=\"Nizhoni Ranch Gallery contemporary rugs under $500\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/contemporary\/under-500\"\u003eUNDER $500 \u003c\/a\u003eup to many thousands of dollars. The number of Navajo weavers working today is dwindling. Many Navajo are not learning this sacred Navajo weaving tradition, as it is a very time consuming, the pay is inconsistent and requires discipline in learning the art form.   \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Getzwiller Collection of Contemporary Navajo Weavings 1975-2000\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/pages\/churro-collection-2001-gallery\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Getzwiller Collection of Contemporary Navajo Weavings 1975-2000\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/pages\/churro-collection-2001-gallery\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Navajo Saddle Blanket - Double : Rose Bennie : Nizhoni Ranch Gallery : SG 26\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/files\/genuine-navajo-saddle-blanket-SG26_360x_b6ef6e6e-0082-4ab4-8ff5-4df558df3dbd_large.jpg?v=1563646347\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca title=\"Navajo Saddle Blanket - Double : Rose Bennie : Nizhoni Ranch Gallery : SG 26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/that-70s-saddle-blanket-show\/products\/navajo-saddle-blanket-double-rose-bennie-nizhoni-ranch-gallery-sg-26\"\u003eSaddle Blanket, 32\" x 63\", Circa 1970-1980, SG 28, $ 1,000\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eComplexity\/Tightness\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Navajo Rug Styles Descriptions\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/pages\/navajo-rug-descriptions\"\u003eThere are 28 Styles of Navajo Rugs\u003c\/a\u003e. Some Styles are more difficult to weave than others. Complexity and tightness of the weave affect the value. Generally speaking, the tighter and finer the weave, the more valuable the piece. Teec Nos Pos is generally considered the most intricate design.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Teec Nos Pos, Geraldine Phillips, Churro # 1574\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/churro-collection\/products\/teec-nos-pos-navajo-rug-geraldine-phillips-churro-1574\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1207\/9128\/products\/very-large-teec-nos-pos-navajo-rug-churro-1574_large.jpg?v=1535408665\" alt=\"extra large Teec Nos Pos Navajo rug for sale\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/churro-collection\/products\/teec-nos-pos-navajo-rug-geraldine-phillips-churro-1574\"\u003eNavajo Churro Collection,  \u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca title=\"Teec Nos Pos, Geraldine Phillips, Churro # 1574\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/churro-collection\/products\/teec-nos-pos-navajo-rug-geraldine-phillips-churro-1574\"\u003eTeec Nos Pos,  Geraldine Phillips,  6\"1\" x 12'1\", Churro wool, Circa 2015  Geraldine won Best of Category for large rugs in 2015.  Churro # 1574\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/collections\/churro-collection\/products\/teec-nos-pos-navajo-rug-geraldine-phillips-churro-1574\"\u003e, $16,000\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural Dyes vs Aniline\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUsing natural dyes vs aniline dyes (commercial chemical dye).  Natural dyes add value because of the extra time it takes to hand dye the wool.  Hand dying wool with natural dyes can take almost as much time as weaving the rug.  See a previous blog we wrote on natural dyes: \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca title=\"Blog on using natural dyes\" href=\"https:\/\/www.navajorug.com\/blogs\/news\/dyeing-art\"\u003eAn Organic Experience\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvenance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance is the history of the weaver and ownership of the weaving.  When the history of a weaving can be verified it takes on a whole new value.  The well known story of the PBS Antique Roadshow Ute blanket's provenance went all the way back to Kit Carson. \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca title=\"Antique Roadshow Ute Blanket video\" href=\"http:\/\/www.pbs.org\/wgbh\/roadshow\/season\/6\/tucson-az\/appraisals\/navajo-first-phase-blanket--200101A48\/\"\u003eA must see video from Antique Road Show - warning it is a tear jerker!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"PBS Antique Roadshow Ute First Phase Blanket\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=WJw2qCnhea0\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http:\/\/www-tc.pbs.org\/prod-media\/antiques-roadshow\/__sized__\/Images\/Tucson_20010609_01\/200101A48\/IMG0002-crop-c0-39__0-43-676x380.jpg\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Antique Roadshow Ute Blanket\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=WJw2qCnhea0\"\u003e First Phase Ute Blanket, circa 1850,  PBS Antique Roadshow\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Bottom Line\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf you want to get an accurate value on a weaving,  contact a certified appraiser that specializes in Native American art, or better yet Navajo weavings.  Nizhoni Ranch does not do appraisals, as we are not certified appraisers.  We suggest contacting Joan Caballero Appraisals in New Mexico : website   \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.collectorsguide.com\/jcaballero\"\u003ehttp:\/\/www.collectorsguide.com\/jcaballero\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e"}