One of the best things about becoming a Navajo rug afficianado has been joining the amazing community we have found that shares our love of all things Navajo rug. If you are looking for Navajo rug resources–from tips on cleaning, to preservation help, to just learning more about the art form, look no further than the list of Good Businesses and Friends on our site.

While in other industries some of these people might be considered “competitors,” this bunch has always been more about sharing Navajo rug resources and history and about celebrating successes than about fighting over sources and customers. Instead of competitors, we think of each other as fellow collectors–all driven by the same mission to promote and sustain the Navajo rug art form.

We joke that once you are bitten with the bug, there is no turning back, and because of our shared passion, this community is always willing to help one another out. Luckily, we can share some of the benefits of this community with our customers. If you have any specific questions about Navajo rug resources, we are happy to answer them, or check out the list linked above.

If you want a truly unique Southwestern Christmas decoration, you can’t do better than our holiday-themed Navajo Rugs. These pieces were woven by Joanne Begay, a weaver who specializes in authentic seasonal Navajo Rugs.

Beyond the obvious cute factor, these Southwestern Christmas decorations are made with the same authentic technique and high-quality materials as all the rugs we sell.

Whether your usual holiday decor style is traditional–evergreens boughs, wreaths, and tinsel–or you want to really go all out with a Southwestern Christmas decoration theme–think light-strung cacti, cowboy boot and horseshoe ornaments, and cowhide tree skirts–these one-of-a-kind rugs will add a completely unique touch.

Charley’s Navajo Rugs is proud to currently have eighteen 100 year old (or older) rugs in our inventory. Though these rugs are indisputably beautiful, they also remind us why were drawn to this industry in the first place–they truly evoke the spirit of the Old West.

These pieces give both serious collectors and people new to the art form a chance to own an authentic vintage Navajo rug. And lest you hear “100 year old Navajo rug” and picture a moth-eaten and fraying specimen, let us assure you that each one of these rugs is in excellent, display-quality condition. (And lest you think that a 100 year old rug must be a out of your price range, three of these rugs are actually under $600! This Germantown rug, another Germantown 3-diamond, and this Germantown runner with floating chinle stars.)

One of our most prized rugs is this mint-condition serape/child’s blanket, woven sometime between 1880 and 1890.

Germantown Serape/Child’s Blanket

Another over 100 year old Navajo rug of particular interest is this floating blanket design rug from the “transitional period”–the period between 1880 and 1910 when weavers were transitioning from weaving blankets to weaving rugs, due to market demand.

Transitional Navajo Rug

This striking rug, also over 100 years old, utilizes spider-woman crosses and whirling logs in the design.

Spider Woman/Whirling Logs Rug

You can find these rugs as well as others over 100 years old on our website. These pieces provide the rare opportunity to own a beautiful, excellently preserved piece of Southwest history. Please contact Charley at charley@charleysnavajorugs.com if you have any questions about a specific rug.

Traditional Southwestern design–with its bright colors, rich textures, and natural materials–is very much in keeping with current interior design trends.  So even if Southwestern design isn’t the vibe you are going for throughout your entire home, adding a Navajo rug can be a great addition and add a pop of color and interest.

Though Charley’s Navajo Rugs is a trusted source for serious collectors, we also happily work with interior designers or individuals who are looking for a single statement piece. A Navajo rug can be the perfect one-of-a-kind piece that acts as inspiration for an entire space–whether your home, your office, or a vacation residence. Southwestern design can complement a variety of different styles, from traditional to modern.

Southwestern Design Elements: Navajo Blanket and Rug

Navajo rugs or other Southwestern design pieces can integrate well with the clean lines and natural materials seen in modern design. Mid-century modern furniture plus colorful rug plus plenty of greenery equals an inviting, beautiful, and fresh space.

Southwestern design ideas also work well with more traditional decor. Wooden antiques look great with Navajo rugs–the rugs can highlight the history of the complementing pieces.

So whether you have long had an interest in Southwestern design and Navajo rugs or you are just getting interested in the style, we can help you find an authentic, one-of-a-kind piece for your home. You just might find that these beautiful works of art become your favorite conversation starters.

It’s that time of year again–the annual Charley’s Navajo Rugs Sale. This year, Charley is offering a special sale on select Yei, Yeibichai, and Sandpaintings rugs. Take advantage of this chance to buy beautiful, one-of-a-kind rugs at 15% to 40% OFF, only through October 31st, 2015. Quantities are extremely limited, and each piece is completely unique, so check out the offerings here and jump on this chance to own a piece of Native American history.

Detail of Yei Sandpainting Rug

In 1932, Lorenzo Hubbell of the Hubbell Trading Posts in Ganado, Arizona, commissioned the Joe family–Julia, Sam, and their daughters Lilly and Erma–to weave the world’s largest Navajo rug. Sam Joe studied ancient pottery to find unique designs and symbols. Julia, Lilly, and Erma then used the wool of 78 sheep–the dying, carding, and spinning of which took two years in itself–to create the yarn for the rug. Of course, weaving the “World’s Largest Navajo Rug” required the world’s largest loom as well–Hubbell had a special building made to accommodate the 27-foot-wide loom.

After three straight years of weaving, the rug was finally completed in 1937. As is evident when you see the rug today, it was made of the finest quality yarn and with great attention to detail. The finished product is a beautiful, seamless, 26′ x 36′ rug.

Because of the rug’s size, though, storage and display are difficult. In fact, the public was deprived of the opportunity to see the World’s Largest Navajo Rug for 50 years. Fortunately, the Winslow Arts Trust acquired the rug in 2012, and it is now being put on permanent display at the La Posada Hotel historic train depot (located along the old Route 66).

The rug on display at La Posada. Todd Roth/NHO

If you are interested in Navajo rugs and Amerindian art, it is definitely worth a trip to Arizona to check out this beautiful rug. You can also watch this moving video about a special event in which the Joe family was invited to see the rug–many of them for the first time ever.

For those of you interested in learning more about large-scale Navajo rugs, we also highly recommend reading Jennifer McLerran’s article “The Spectacle of Navajo Weaving: Monumental Navajo Rugs” in the spring 2014 American Indian Art magazine. Unfortunately the article is not currently available online, but the magazine can be purchased here.

As always, feel free to contact us with any questions. Charley can be reached at charley@charleysnavajorugs.com.