MBHS INDIAN RUG
Donated by EVELYN CHAMBERS

Approximate Date Donated: March 19, 2003

1st Appraisal:
On June 4, 2003 I had the rug appraised by a business contact of Karen Woodring (sp) of Southwest Fetish in Yucca Valley.

Appraised Value:
$1,800 to $2,500. If repaired at an approximate cost of $1,000 it could bring $4,000 plus dollars. There is a company in Los Angeles that does repair work. The appraiser also said if we sell it ask $2,500 but don’t take less than $1,800.

Comments:

• The rug measures about 5’x 8’ and was purchased by Evelyn Chambers in 1998 for $350. The story goes that it was purchased from the daughter of a preacher man who made trips to New Mexico and Arizona and thought to have been made around 1850. Evelyn has used it as a rug and shows signs of wear.
• The appraiser said it was not a Navajo rug. He thought there was a strong possibility it was made by the Hopi Indians, then maybe Acoma or Santa Clara Indians. The Santa Clara Indians did not live in New Mexico.
• To sell it the appraiser suggested going on E-Bay. I was told that Palm Springs has an auction where we might sell it.

Prepared by: Bob Connors  - President 06-10-03

On March 7, 2009 I had the rug reappraised at the YV Library on and was told it is worth between $800 & $1,000. It needs cleaning and repair and is definitely a Navajo rug. The visible angle lines in the rug are called lazy lines where the weaver stopped moved over and started again. The rug was made around 1900 by the Navajo Indians from New Mexico.

Prepared by: Bob Connors – Ambassador 03-07-09

Contact the MBHS at: 760-365-1877 
or email: MBHS.history@gmail.com