The impressive work of a Navajo master weaver in the Crystal Trading Post tradition bears similarities to plate XVIII on page 48 of Catalog for J.B. Moore Indian Trader and Collector, Crystal, New Mexico. This large rug lies very straight and square, displaying balanced, well-resolved design and exceptional color. Completing a rug of this size requires hard work given the height at which one would have to work, plus the weaver almost assuredly had to work on this large weaving outdoors, as her hogan would never accommodate a loom of this size. And given the difficulty of keeping the design of a rug this size from becoming compacted and distorted as the process becomes more difficult near completion also requires a high degree of skill and experience. Add to this the condition of this weaving and it becomes clear that this an exceptional example.

John Bradford Moore re-opened the Crystal Trading Post, for which certain Navajo regional rug styles are named, around 1896. His remote location on Navajo lands made acquiring rugs much easier than reselling them. So in 1903 he printed a mail order catalog enabling him to market rugs of specific patterns and qualities to buyers in the east. The plates, or pictures, in this catalog have become a point of reference for weavings commissioned by J.B. Moore and for other rugs of this quality.

Measures 59.5 x 94 inches.

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Very good condition, noting an area 4 x 6 inches along one edge of color run caused by moisture (see the last images), no odor, does have good intact edges, and ends, no damage of any type as evidenced by the last images which are backlit with bright, natural sunlight and reveal no holes, thinning, mothing, separation or fray. The corner tassels appear to be added.