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Navajo Old Crystal Trading Post Rug c. 1900

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 3,500.00 USD
Navajo Old Crystal Trading Post Rug c. 1900
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This lot features an exceptional early Old Crystal Trading Post Navajo Native American Indian rug circa 1900. Originally the Old Crystal trading post was established in 1894, in this remote part of the Navajo Reservation Southwest of Two Grey Hills and Northwest of Gallup. In 1896 J.B. Moore purchased an interest in the trading post and re-named it Crystal after a pure sparkling mountain spring that was in the area. J.B. Moore realized the rugs being woven on the reservation needed to be upgraded. He started paying more for the rugs with better workmanship and design. This caused the weavers in the area to produce better quality rugs. Due to the remoteness of the Trading Post he started using a mail order catalog to sell his rugs to the Eastern market. The first catalog came out in 1903, with another in 1911. He left the reservation in 1911. During his stay at Crystal he greatly influenced the change in styles of Navajo rugs being produced at the Crystal Trading Post. This rug is believed to date to one of the posts catalogs form 1903- 1911. The rug is in good condition for its age. Measures: 60" L x 44" W