John Lorenzo Hubbell came to the trading post which bears his name in 1878, ten years after the Navajo were released from Bosque Redondo. He created the trading post at Ganado that actively traded with the Navajo and he marketed the textiles he acquired to others throughout the country. Hubbell encouraged the weavers to weave certain designs, as did other early trading post owners.

The design of this rug is known as the “storm pattern”. While it is most closely associated with the Crystal Trading Post, weavers at Ganado were obviously also encouraged to use it. Given the relatively large size of this rug as well as the fine weave, it is entirely possible that a visitor commissioned this rug. Most Navajo textiles from this early Regional period were smaller. It took time to weave a quality rug and the weavers needed to be paid for their work in trade in order to acquire necessary food and supplies from the trader.

The “swastika” design in this rug was used long before the Nazis in Germany commandeered it. In fact, it was known as the “whirling log” design, which was a symbol of good luck. Note the ends of the cross, how the weaver gave the design a whirling motion. Remember, this textile was woven in 1910!