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.

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