How do you know what is a good price to pay for them? How do you determine the relative worth of these handmade items?
I have a Navajo rug, made by a friend’s grandma on the Navajo res. I also have to opportunity to buy another one, but am not sure what is a good price and how they are evaluated.
In searching the net, all I can find are places that sell them (usually for exhorbitant prices), no guides to values.
Anybody with any experience here?
My father-in-law is head of the Navajo Sheep Project at our local university. He’s been dealing with the Navajo people for many years, and I know he has quite a selection of rugs (among other things) from the Navajos. I just emailed him with your question. I’ll let you know if I hear anything.
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My ex bought a very small rug from a friend who bought it directly from the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico/Arizona. This friend was a frequent visitor, and often stayed with families on the res, so I think she got a pretty good price. Nevertheless, it was expensive. He paid about $80 for a 2x3’ rug. It may not have even been that large. They are definitely pricey, but from what I hear, they are not easy nor quick to make.
LOL, definately not quick or easy to make.
I love the one I have, it is 25" x 33 1/2" and in beautiful dark earthtone colors. It’s worth every penny I paid for it, to me. I bought it directly from the grandmother that made it, because I don’t like trading posts. From what I’ve been told they don’t pay the artists fairly at all.
I don’t currently have the opportunity to go back to the res though, and I don’t know what a fair market price would be or how to determine it for this other rug.