Navajo Native Rug Dyes

Framed collection of Native American dyes used to craft weavings. Authentic collection with each dye labeled (various plants, bees, brush, bark, vegetables). Weavers have been dyeing the wool for their weavings to create beautiful artistry nearly as long as they’ve been making rugs, tapestries, throws and blankets. And while methods have varied over the years, early Navajo weavers began using natural plant dyes as far back as the 1700s. Back then, wool was often dyed using indigo (blue) and cochineal (red)—which was sourced from the English Bayetta wool. Weavers continued to expand their dyeing abilities by boiling plants and extracting even more lasting colors and earthy tones.