Rug Of The Week - Teec Nos Pos by Irene Littleben

by John Aldrich

The Teec Nos Pos style of rug design arose in a location with a trading post by the same name. It's in the northeast corner of the Arizona portion of the reservation. Initially it was a regional design typical of traders' efforts to market a distinctive style that would appeal to a wide range of customers. And as was typical of many Navajo rugs designs, this pattern was inspired by the national interest in oriental-style rugs in the late 19th century and early 20th century.

Teec rugs tend to be quite intricate in their design and incorporate geometric patterns as well as often an elaborate border. Another characteristic is the use of varied and multiple colors.

Among the modern weavers of this pattern, the Littleben family of Rock Point has taken the use of color to a new level. Two sisters, Irene and Dorothy, are able to incorporate a mind-bending number of colors into their rugs.They might use anywhere from thirty colors to as many as 60. And despite the number of colors, they are carefully chosen to blend together into a pleasing tapestry of hues.

Given all these factors, it's no surprise that Teec rugs tend to cost a bit more than other designs.

This week's rug, by Irene Littleben, utilizes a tasteful blend of muted colors to achieve a beautiful and appealing weaving. The softer colors of the border accentuate the bolder spectrum in the interior portion. The result is striking.

Although priced at $2000, it is actually a bargain for a rug of this size that is so intricate and unique. The rug measures 43" x 64" and can be found in our catalog as number 9004.

See this 2010 post for more information about the rug catalog.

Notes: Every effort has been made to photograph and present the rugs with as accurate rendition of color as possible. It's not possible, however, to be certain that your computer won't show some variance. Where two prices are listed in the catalog, the higher represents what the weaver hopes to receive and the lower, the minimum she will accept. As has always been the case at ANE all the proceeds of every rug sale go entirely to the weaver. Prices are set by the weaver, and since there is no "middleman" they are typically very reasonable.

And to see more of what's happening at ANE visit us on Facebook.

Rug Of The Week

by John Aldrich

This week we are featuring a very special rug woven by Nellie Curley which she calls The Holy Ones, and in which she depicts the Navajo creation story.

Here is the rug:

And here is the story (as presented by Nellie and her husband and edited by Rodger Williams):

The Navajos regard their homeland to be sacred because the Holy Ones led them here. They called it Diné Bikéyah (the land of The People).

The Diyin Diné’é (Holy Ones) created the Navajo people and brought them to this spot. Some believe the Holy Ones came from the underworlds and others say the Holy Ones were already here, inhabiting the land. They also created the Four Sacred Mountains in the four cardinal directions of Diné Bikéyah. Changing Woman, Asdzaan Naadléé, also known as White Shell Woman, is one of those gods called Holy Ones.

The Four Sacred Mountains are: to the East, Sisnajini (Blanca Peak); to the South, Tsoodził (Mount Taylor); to the West, Dook’óosłiid (San Francisco Peak); and to the North, Dibe Nitsah (Mount Hesperus). Within the Diné Bikéyah are two other sacred mountains; Dził na’oodiłii (Huerfano Mountain) and Ch’ooli’ii (Gobernador Knob).

On the rug you will see the Four Sacred Mountains, Diné Bikéyah and the middle mountain represents the Blessing Way ceremony. The medicinemen pictured within the sacred mountains are known as Hatałi (singers) of the Blessing Way (Hozhoji – blessed way or good way). The Hatałi or medicinemen are some of the most respected individuals. People often come to them for advice or guidance because they know the stories and the knowledge about the good life.

The corn represents the planting, the growth, and the harvest seasons. The Holy Ones use it to perform powerful ceremonies (prayers and songs). In the background is the “storm pattern” rug design representing Father Sky and the prayers that bring the rain to Mother Earth. You can see the Holy Ones among the sacred mountains.

The sash belt down the middle of the rug represents the time when a girl becomes a woman. With her are her siblings and her mother and grandmother. You can see that they are all dressed in traditional Navajo clothing.

Changing Woman stands with the people. She is the one who introduced the Navajo Clan System to help keep order and harmony among all the living, including people. The Navajo strive to live in Hozhó or harmony and to respect all life forms.

After the Creation was finished, the Holy Ones saw that all was beautiful and they blessed it all. Then they initiated the Blessing Way ceremony.

Nellie's rugs are always beautifully woven, and this one is no exception. It measures 58" x 40" and has wonderful detail and color. The price is $3000, and the catalog listing is #7893.  This would be a truly unique rug to own, especially since it is accompanied with such a detailed description.

See this 2010 post for more information about the rug catalog.

Notes: Every effort has been made to photograph and present the rugs with as accurate rendition of color as possible. It's not possible, however, to be certain that your computer won't show some variance. Where two prices are listed in the catalog, the higher represents what the weaver hopes to receive and the lower, the minimum she will accept. As has always been the case at ANE all the proceeds of every rug sale go entirely to the weaver. Prices are set by the weaver, and since there is no "middleman" they are typically very reasonable.

And to see more of what's happening at ANE visit us on Facebook.