Moki Rug by Vina Nakai (Navajo)

This striking weaving is a version of the classical Moki, or wearing blanket, design.  In the center, a bold pattern of four red crosses are set on a background of red and blue stripes.  The crosses are decorated with a series of small white, terraced squares at their ends and centers, as well as vertical lines of the black and blue of the background, as if the stripes were showing through cutouts in the red.  Each end of the rug has four terraced triangles in blue outlined in black, with white accents.

Originally introduced to the Southwest by the Spanish in the 1600s, the Moki pattern consisted of alternating stripes of dark blue and natural brown or black.  This pattern was adopted by Pueblo and Navajo weavers. The name Moqui, the Spanish name for the Hopi, was given to the pattern by traders who thought the Hopi made these blankets.  The Navajo added decorations in red on top of the striped pattern.

Rug care and hanging instructions included with purchase. If you would also like velcro, at no additional cost, for hanging your rug, click on "Contact Us" below to make your request. For more information on Navajo Weaving, see our Highlight of the Month for March 2005.

Length 76", width 49 /12"