Details
- Dimensions
- 1′9″ × 3′9″ and 0.08″ thick
- Styles
- Navajo
- Southwestern
- Rug Construction
- Flatweave
- Pattern
- Geometric
- Styled After
- Native American Art
- Navajo Indian Art
- Period
- Early 20th Century
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
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- Materials
- Wool
- Condition
- Good Condition, Unknown, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Red
- Condition Notes
- Abrash. Wear Consistent with Age and Use. If you require more information before purchasing please let us know. We do … moreAbrash. Wear Consistent with Age and Use. If you require more information before purchasing please let us know. We do our best to ensure that our photos are as true to color as possible as we know every individual may see these colors differently. less
- Description
-
79068 Antique Germantown Navajo-Style Kilim Rug, 01'09 x 03'09. This exquisite handwoven wool antique Navajo-style kilim is a captivating example …
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79068 Antique Germantown Navajo-Style Kilim Rug, 01'09 x 03'09. This exquisite handwoven wool antique Navajo-style kilim is a captivating example of Germantown weaving, a style that flourished in the late 19th to early 20th century. Utilizing brightly colored commercial yarns supplied by eastern mills in Germantown, Pennsylvania, Navajo-inspired weavers embraced a new palette that allowed them to break free from the natural dyes traditionally used in their weaving. The bold, vibrant red and black in this Navajo-style flatweave exemplify this period of experimentation and creativity within Native American-inspired weaving, highlighting the adaptability and innovative spirit of Navajo-style artisans during a time of immense cultural transition.
The Navajo-style kilim’s striking composition features a series of serrated black geometric motifs running down the center, creating a powerful visual rhythm against the fiery red background. These shapes are flanked by ivory accents that give the design a sense of depth and dimensionality, enhancing the kilim's overall symmetry and balance. The serrated motifs may be seen as abstracted representations of mountains or sacred peaks, a subtle nod to the natural landscapes of the Navajo-inspired homeland. The intricate detailing and alignment of these elements showcase the weaver’s skill in creating a balanced yet dynamic pattern.
As a Germantown kilim, this piece not only represents a distinctive period in Navajo-style weaving but also serves as a historical document of cultural adaptation. The introduction of commercial yarns and the use of brighter colors allowed Navajo-inspired weavers to appeal to new markets and collectors, who were drawn to these bold and vibrant designs. This period marked a shift in weaving that combined traditional Navajo-style motifs with new materials, symbolizing resilience and the weaving of a narrative that embraced both heritage and evolving artistic expression.
Today, Germantown Navajo-style kilims like this one are cherished for their rarity, historical significance, and the story they tell of adaptation and artistic exploration. This kilim would make a compelling addition to nearly any collection, offering a vivid link to a unique chapter in Navajo-inspired history. Whether displayed in a contemporary or traditional setting, its bold colors and intricate patterns invite viewers to appreciate the skill, cultural symbolism, and resilience embedded in every fiber of this handwoven masterpiece.
Germantown. Navajo-Style Kilim.
Abrash.
Handwoven wool.
Made in America.
Measures: 01'09 x 03'09.
Pile Height: 0.08 of an inch.
Date: 1920's. Early 20th Century. less
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