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Most Navajo blankets and rugs may be displayed in a
variety of ways but consideration of the type of weave, age, condition are
important factors.
On the floor
On the floor, weavings are often displayed on rug
pads--thin and sturdy foam mats are a popular choice and can help keep
rugs from slipping on hard surfaces and add to the life and durability of
the rug. Rubber pads and pads that might get gummy or melt in hot
conditions or pads that may transfer color or pattern should be
avoided
On the wall (click photos to enlarge)
Tape-backed Velcro (usually available through your local hardware
store or home improvement store) can be attached to a narrow strip
of wood which then can be wood-screwed into a wall to display Navajo
blankets and Navajo rugs. Only the male "hook side" (white Velcro in
photo) need be used; the female "texture" side is not needed for
display as most Navajo rugs and blankets of homespun Navajo sheep
wool yarn will have sufficient nap that can be directly rubbed into
the Velcro loops to hold the rug in place. Exceptions to this
display method are rugs that are too large or heavy or those that
have little or no nap (such as Germantown trade yarn weavings ot
tapestry weaves). Most other small to medium sized rugs up to about
4'x6' or so can easily be displayed with this method.
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Even with only half of the top edge of this Navajo rug rubbed into
the Velcro, the entire weight is already being supported. A small
piece of Velcro can also be used in each lower corner if desired to
hold the rug tightly against the wall. Be sure to attach the
tape-backed piece of Velcro against a separate piece of wood before
mounting on the wall as the tape on the back of the Velcro if
attached directly to the wall will remove paint (and probably some
wallboard ) if applied directly to wall without using a separate
wood strip. |
 Press
the edge of the rug firmly into the Velcro rubbing the nap of the
wool yarn into the hooks/loops of the Velcro
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The advantages of using Velcro include that the display technique is
hidden / covered by the rug itself and that the rug may be easily
removed for vacuuming or turning (its a good idea to rotate Navajo
rugs and blankets "back to front"/"front to back" periodically so
both sides get even exposure to any ambient UV light as well as to
check for hiding moths or spiders that might damage the wool.On a
mannequin: |
Pre-1900 shoulder blankets can be displayed on a torso mannequin for
a more "Sculptural" display.
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Typical Navajo Weaving Display Techniques by Type
Navajo Regional Rugs and "Pan Reservation" Rugs c
1900-Today: The majority of Navajo rugs woven of
homespun Navajo sheep wool yarn and made after 1890 of medium or heavier
weave can be used on either floor or wall interchangeably. On the floor
they are generally displayed with a floor pad. On the wall they are
generally displayed on Velcro, although there are additional options to
wall display as noted above.
Runners, samplers ,squares and small weavings
: Typically are either wall displayed but are popularly used on
table tops and sofa tables, especially for display under a Pueblo Indian
pot or an antique American Indian basket
Navajo Chief's Blankets: Typically displayed
on the wall horizontally as they would have been worn (with the interior
warp running vertically); occasionally displayed on mannequin torsos.
Pre-1900 chiefs blankets are never displayed on the floor, although some
post-1900 rug weight chiefs pattern rugs can be used on the floor if
desired.
Navajo Serapes/ Shoulder blankets: Typically
displayed vertically (with the interior warp running vertically); if
displayed on mannequin torso they are draped horizontally as they would
have been worn. Soft Transitional blankets are also popular choices for
use as decorative bed covers in Southwest and Draftsmen style homes, as
well as sofa, chair and furniture throws and covers. Blankets drape nicely
over railings to add color to any room.
Navajo pictorial rugs: Typically pictorials
are wall displayed although some heavier room-sized floor rugs are
sometimes available for floor use.
Navajo Germantown Blankets: Typically wall
displayed vertically unless in Chiefs blanket form. Cannot be used on
floor.
Navajo Tapestry weaves: Typically wall
displayed.
Large rugs over 5'x8' are generally of rug weight and used
on the floor.
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