Teec Nos Pos Navajo Rug, circa 1920

The Unique Color Palette of Teec Nos Pos

This is an extraordinary Navajo rug from the Teec Nos Pos area of the Navajo Nation. While many rugs from Teec Nos Pos and Red Mesa are known for their dense patterns and bright colors, this piece stands out for its muted and soft palette.

Construction and Design

The rug was skillfully woven using undyed native churro wool, with the exception of an aniline red dye reserved for accent areas. The background is a rich, variegated brown, achieved by carding varying batches of brown and white sheep's wool. This intentional color variation prevents a solid background, creating a soft, earthen tone that reflects the desert landscape.

Typical of the region, the rug features a wide, dark brown border, which is detailed with a repeating pattern of brown, white, and red arrowheads. The interior design is highly architectural, featuring rectangular bars framed by hooked elements. The majority of the vibrant red yarn is concentrated in the central diamond design, which has stepped edges and is anchored by a series of red triangles.

The Teec Nos Pos Tradition

Rugs from Teec Nos Pos were primarily made for sale rather than for Diné use. This meant that traders heavily influenced the designs, often providing weavers with images of Persian rugs to adapt. The weavers excelled at incorporating these foreign, complex patterns into their traditional weaving techniques.

In fact, some weavers were fiercely protective of their original designs. Indian trader Bill Foutz, who operated a post at Shiprock, noted that weavers were unhappy if another person or family used their specific border design — it was considered her own. His father, Russell Foutz, was even known for identifying the family who wove a rug solely by its border. Though we cannot currently identify the maker, this rug's unique construction and elegant design speak volumes about the weaver's skill.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Teec Nos Pos Navajo Rug, circa 1920 was purchased by the current owner in 1988. It was protected from sunlight and used on the floor in a non-traffic area.

Recommended Reading: Belikove, Ruth K. The Rugs of Teec Nos Pos Jewels of The Navajo Loom, Adobe Gallery, 1994.

TAGS: textiles, Navajo Nation