An Early Navajo Rug, Ganado, AZ Hubbell Trading Post; Moki Storm Pattern

ca 1900
60" x 49"

A superior early Storm Pattern rug with the large Hubbell Crosses, field of alternating stripes. 

Recently Professionally Cleaned and Detailed. 

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The Navajo storm pattern is a famous geometric rug design that symbolizes a desert rainstorm, the Navajo sacred landscape, and traditional creation stories.
Key Design Elements and Meaning: A standard storm pattern weaving features a distinct layout with specific symbolic meanings: Central Rectangle: Represents the center of the universe, the heavens, or the Lake of Emergence. The Four Corner Blocks: Represent the Four Sacred Mountains that border the traditional Navajo homeland. Zigzag Diagonal Lines: Represent lightning bolts connecting the center to the mountains, carrying blessings back and forth. The lage Hubbell Crosses represent the four directions. Unlike many other traditional rug styles that rely on a central diamond motif, the storm pattern uses rectangular framing and energetic directional lines to map out weather and spiritual balance.