Navajo Rug "Classic Revival - Small Dress Panel" Spider Womans Crosses

ca. 1980

26" x 20.75"

Excellent Condition. Beautiful weave and in superior, like new condition.

This beautiful rug is a revival of the 19th century Navajo Dress panel. Traditional Navajo dresses were made in two identical panels which were sewn up the sides and along the top, leaving spaces for the head and arms. A traditional sash typically was worn with this dress style. When the early traders obtained these, they were often cut apart and sold or traded as small area blankets and hence the term panel was attached to it to signify that this is one part of two traditionally. Of course, in modern times, these are usually made one at a time then sold. The minimal colors used, banded layout with floating cross elements in positive and negative and dark open field are hallmarks of the Navajo dress aesthetic. This sort of Cross element was a favored motif of the weavers around the Ganado, AZ region where Hubbell's Trading Post is located.  The motif is often referred to as a "Hubbell Cross".