Navajo Chinle Rug

ca. 1960

59" x 41" 

Hand Woven with Floating Diamond Motif in Mustard Yellow, Dark Brown, Cream and Light Brown Colors

In Very Good Condition

Navajo Chinle rugs are a distinctive regional style of handwoven textiles created by Navajo (Diné) weavers, originating from the Chinle area at the mouth of Canyon de Chelly in Arizona. They emerged as a defined style in the 1920s–1930s during a "revival" period in Navajo weaving, inspired by earlier Transitional and Classic Period designs (mid-19th century blankets with striped motifs).

The style was pioneered by trader Cozy McSparron (also spelled Leon or Inja in some sources) and Boston philanthropist Mary Cabot Wheelwright (founder of the Wheelwright Museum in Santa Fe). They encouraged weavers to return to softer, natural vegetal dyes and simpler banded patterns, moving away from the harsh aniline dyes and intricate Oriental-influenced designs popular at the time.