Storm Pattern

Rug # S305

29" X 44"

Doris Duncan

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The areas of the Western Reservation between Tuba City and Tonalea "where the water comes together" is the region where the Storm pattern is mostly woven. It appeared sometime around the turn of the century. It is not really known where it originated but is said to have come from a traders visual conception of a Navajo legend. It also is said to have appeared on flour sacks in Flagstaff around the same time.

Some say that the highly complex design work in these rugs are highly symbolic. The box at the center of the rug represents the spiritual center of the Navajo universe. Coming outward from the center are four zigzagging lines which represent lightning bolts. These lightning bolts radiate out toward boxes in each corner. These boxes represent the homes or "hogan" of the four winds, or four directions or four sacred mountains bordering the Navajo world. In between these are geometric designs representing water symbols water bugs and clouds or swastikas which represent whirling logs. Originally the colors were used red, black and white with a natural gray or red background. Today many are made with natural browns and vegetal dye colors and are found in many areas of the reservation but in limited numbers. The complexity of the design along with the symbolism makes this type of rug very popular with collectors.