Rug c. 20th century

This rug was made by the Navajo, also known as the Diné, people. The eye is immediately drawn to the bold geometric patterns; arrangements of diamonds and zigzags dominate the field, speaking to the Diné reverence for symmetry and balance, a cornerstone of their worldview. These motifs echo across cultures and time. The diamond, for example, may represent a variety of symbolic elements, depending on its context. In ancient cultures, it often signifies the eye of a deity, a protective force, or a connection to the cosmos. Consider the lozenge shapes found in Paleolithic art; it seems to hint at female fertility and the cyclical nature of life. This shape has journeyed through time, reappearing in various forms and contexts. The zigzag is another motif that resonates deeply. Think about the ancient Greeks who saw it as a symbol of Zeus’s thunderbolt. It’s a motif that reappears across time. In Diné weaving, it can mirror the natural world and elements like lightning. Observe how these patterns engage us on a subconscious level, evoking a sense of order and harmony while stirring ancient memories and cultural echoes.