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Vintage 1930s Navajo Pictorial Rug with Airplane Motif, Wool Textile

$8,500
$14,50041% Off
£6,402.78
£10,922.3941% Off
€7,470.44
€12,743.6941% Off
CA$12,023.62
CA$20,510.8841% Off
A$12,097.27
A$20,636.5241% Off
CHF 7,021.66
CHF 11,978.1341% Off
MX$147,432.99
MX$251,503.3341% Off
NOK 81,048.17
NOK 138,258.6541% Off
SEK 83,166.32
SEK 141,871.9541% Off
DKK 55,839.31
DKK 95,255.2941% Off

About the Item

This exceptional vintage Navajo pictorial rug, woven circa 1930s–1940s, is a rare and visually captivating example of Southwestern textile artistry—where tradition meets modern influence. Handwoven by a Diné (Navajo) artisan, the composition features stylized airplane motifs, an intriguing and highly collectible subject that reflects the cultural shifts and technological fascination of the early 20th century. Rendered in a striking palette of red, gray, and ivory wool, the rug achieves a bold yet balanced aesthetic. The use of both natural wool tones and early commercial dyes is characteristic of the Trading Post Era, a period when Navajo weavers began incorporating new materials and contemporary imagery into their work while maintaining time-honored techniques. Pictorial Navajo rugs—those depicting recognizable figures, objects, or scenes—were relatively uncommon prior to the mid-20th century, making early examples such as this especially desirable among collectors. These weavings offered artists an opportunity to tell stories, capture moments of daily life, or interpret the changing world around them, resulting in highly individual and imaginative compositions. The presence of airplane imagery is particularly compelling, symbolizing a moment when Indigenous makers engaged with modernity in a uniquely personal and artistic way. This fusion of traditional Navajo weaving practices with contemporary subject matter gives the piece a distinctly modern, almost graphic quality that resonates strongly with today’s collectors and designers. Substantial in scale and rich in visual impact, this rug functions beautifully as a wall hanging, statement textile, or focal point within a curated interior. Its combination of rarity, narrative content, and bold design makes it a standout addition to collections of Native American art, folk art, and early American textiles. A highly collectible and culturally significant work, this Navajo pictorial rug embodies both the innovation and enduring artistry of the Diné weaving tradition.
  • Creator:
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 96 in (243.84 cm)Width: 52.75 in (133.99 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
  • Style:
    Native American (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Wool,Hand-Woven
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1940
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading.
  • Seller Location:
    Denver, CO
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 265131stDibs: LU1004630492022

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