Navajo Storm Pattern Natural Crystal Rug with the word "NAVAJO" in Center

ca. 1900

88" x 64"

Beautiful natural wool tones

Professionally Cleaned August 2024

Very Minor Wear (Gallery Repair on Request)

Provenance of JN Butler Collection

An interesting rug with the central cross motif containing the work NAVAJO. The Storm Pattern design typically defines the center point of the design as the Navajo Nation, with lightning and cloud motif coming from the four sacred mountains. Four is a sacred number to the Navajo and is repeated in the cross and in the four lightning V elements and in the two large + two small clouds. A superior quality wool, weave, design and consdition. 

The Janet Nelson Butler Collection was developed by her great-uncle Edward William (E.W.) Nelson (1855-1934). The Wikipedia page on E.W. Nelson states that he was an American naturalist and ethnologist. Initially Mr. Nelson’s research was in Alaska. However, he developed tuberculosis and relocated to the American Southwest in 1890. His studies ranged from Death Valley to Mexico. The Smithsonian Institution houses his collection of artifacts from the Alaska expeditions.
Family oral history as related by Janet was that that many parts of the Indian Collection were pawned items purchased at trading posts by E.W. Nelson, while some items may have been purchased by his brother F.W. Nelson.
E.W. Nelson never married and had no children. Upon his death, his collections passed to R. Leiland Nelson, the only child of his only sibling. Upon the death of R. Leiland Nelson’s wife, their sole surviving child Janet Nelson Butler received the collection. Janet Nelson Butler passed away in 2022 and had no children.

Excellent Condition