Red Mesa

Serrated, Colorful Lines

Near Four Corners in Arizona is an area on Navajoland called Red Mesa, not far from its neighbor Teec Nos Pos. For many years the weavers’ primary contact with the broader world was with the Red Mesa Trading Post, where they would bring their rugs to trade.

This small group of weavers became known for their serrated, diamond-styled outline rugs. This intricate and often colorful outline design of Red Mesa Outline weavings is a continuation of the 1880s and 1890s “Eyedazzler” Navajo blanket designs. The weavings include jagged, serrated lines and fine outlining in contrasting colors. Weavers of these styles historically have preferred brightly colored wool yarns to enhance the power of their designs. As the weaver weaves across one row on a Red Mesa Outline, they may change their ball of thread 50 or more times. Red Mesa Outlines are one of the most difficult designs to weave, but with the artist’s choice of colored yarns, they can be some of the most beautiful too!