Woven in the early 20th century, this striking Navajo rug features a bold central zigzag medallion rendered in a soft crimson stripe, enclosing a calm gray field. The medallion sits within a larger diamond form composed of repeated triangular motifs in dark brown, pale crimson, and white—creating a rhythmic interplay of color and geometry that draws the eye inward. The border is equally compelling: alternating pale crimson and dark brown bands meet at a jagged zigzag edge, locking together like pieces of a puzzle. Handwoven by a Diné (Navajo) weaver using hand-spun wool and natural dyes, this rug showcases the technical mastery and deep symbolism of Navajo textile traditions. The zigzag motifs may allude to water, lightning, or life’s journey—common themes in Navajo weaving. Both graphic and meditative, this rug is a powerful example of Indigenous visual storytelling and early 20th-century Navajo artistry, equally suited for the wall or floor.
