Tips to Help you Buy Navajo Textiles
Searching on eBay for Navajo Textiles
Today I went to eBay an did a search for "Navajo Rugs". Then I selected and read over the first 100 auctions offering Navajo rugs. What I was searching for was "authenticity". Or, to be more specific - just how confident I was, that the rugs being offered were in fact genuine Navajo hand woven rugs. I was somewhat surprised and pleased by the results.
The Bad - About one third of the auctions were definitely NOT authentic Navajo rugs. Most did not even claim to be authentic.
The Not quite as Bad - A number of rugs, claiming to be Navajo - and may in fact be - did not list enough information to verify that assertion.
The Good - I had a high degree of confidence that slightly less than fifty percent were in fact the genuine article being offered by reputable sellers with warranties.Best of all - When it comes to Navajo rugs, and Navajo blankets, right now, there were a large number of real bargains on eBay!! IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING!!!!!!!
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ConclusionA degree of caution is necessary when purchasing Navajo textiles on eBay, BUT you CAN purchase exceptional authentic Navajo hand woven textiles at deeply discount prices. Here is a very good video with some expert tips that will help you when considering bidding for Navajo textiles on eBay.
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1. Knowledge is key.
Take the time to learn about Navajo rugs and blankets. For the small cost of an authoritative book (or two) you will be able to spot and buy genuine Navajo textiles with confidence. Serious collectors of Native American arts know that the purchase of an expert publication is an investment rather than an expense. Follow this link to: Navajo Rugs Books.
2. Learn what makes Navajo rugs valuable.
On any given day, you can find Navajo rug listings on eBay from $10 to $10,000, the same is true for Navajo blankets. Many things go into what makes some textiles real bargains and others ripoffs. Size, age, condition, artisan, documentation, pattern, balance, tightness of the weave, colors, complexity, distortion and personal tastes are just some of factors that go into determining the value of an authentic Navajo blanket or rug.
3. Dealer Reputation is important.
As in brick and mortar stores, on eBay, the reputation of the seller is paramount. Whenever you can, try deal with those that have high feedback ratings and experience in the Native American arts field and Navajo textiles in particular. Warranties and return policies are also very important.
4. True Bargains can be found.
Occasionally a real treasure is dug out of an attic, or found at an estate sale, and subsequently placed on eBay by an inexperienced or unknowledgeable seller. Often with a description like "Navajo??". When this happens, Email the lister and ask questions. Are there any tags on the rug? How did they come by it? Is there any close up photos available? Especially of the sides and corners. What are the exact dimensions? Is there any visible damage? Will they take a return if it turns out to not be genuine? Ask these or any other question you might have that will help you determine if the piece is
worthy of bidding on. Let the seller know that you are very interested in the rug or blanket and that the answers to these questions will determine the amount of any bids you make. IF THE SELLER DOES NOT RESPOND TO YOUR QUESTIONS, OR IS VAGUE WITH THEIR ANSWERS - PASS. You are better off to miss a few bargains, than to drastically overpay for a fake. 5. Use eBay's escrow service.
As a final protection filter, especially on very high end Navajo textiles, ask the seller if they are willing to use and escrow service if you pay the fees. The only approved eBay escrow company is "Escrow.com". If you receive no reply or a negative reply from the seller, consider yourself fortunate to be able to pass on bidding for this particular piece, as no legitimate dealer with an original high end Navajo textile will object to the use of and escrow service. It protects them as much as it protects you.
Here is a link to the official eBay ESCROW discussion page, for those who need to learn more about this service.
_Discount Navajo Arts - RESERVATION HQ