Navajo — Zigzag Eye Diamond, Red Black Gray, c.1950

A handwoven Navajo wool rug in a bold stacked-zigzag pattern with repeating eye diamond accents centered on a cream field, framed by a red inner border and wide black outer border. The design descends from the Eyedazzler and Transitional-period tradition — serrated diamond and zigzag forms that emerged in the post-Bosque Redondo era and were widely woven across the reservation into the mid-twentieth century without chapter-specific affiliation. The heathered gray in the motifs is natural carded churro wool, not dyed fiber, a hallmark of authentic reservation work. Aniline red and black complete the palette. Warp fringe is present at both ends. Warp count of 12, weft count of 8 reflects competent mid-century production weaving.

Appraised by Kary Dunham with an estimate of $600–$800. The piece is non-regional in character — accessible to first-time Navajo textile buyers and experienced collectors alike — and works equally well displayed flat or hung as wall art.

CONDITION

Good overall — structure is sound, the pattern reads strongly, and the wool surface retains good body. Red dye migration into the ivory field is present, characteristic of aniline red and consistent with age. Light selvedge wear and minor piling to the wool surface noted; no structural damage or repair.

Size:

• Length: 48"
• Width: 22.75"
• Warp Count: 12 per inch
• Weft Count: 8 per inch
• Appraised Value: $600–$800 (Kary Dunham, Navajo Textile Specialist)