Preserving the Full Tapestry: Why Renaming the 'Hubbell Rug' Misses the Mark
The "Hubbell Rug" – or, as it is now known, "The Big Rug" – is a marvel of Navajo craftsmanship, measuring an astonishing 32 feet in length and over 26 feet in width. Believed to be the largest single-loom rug ever woven, it stands on permanent display at the historic Hubbell Trading Post in Winslow, Arizona. This monumental piece is not merely an artistic achievement; it embodies generations of skill, patience, and cultural resilience.
Consider the extraordinary labor required to create such a work. Navajo weavers begin long before the loom is touched: raising sheep, shearing the wool, carding and cleaning it, dyeing vibrant hues, and spinning it into thread. Only then does the weaving commence – a process demanding unwavering focus. Family stories from my own lineage, where my grandmother was a master weaver, illustrate this vividly. When she immersed herself in her craft, the household fell silent, respecting the sacred concentration it required. For a rug of this scale, that dedication must have been multiplied manifold.
Yet, for all its beauty, the rug's existence raises a poignant question: Would any Navajo weaver have undertaken such an impractical creation without external commission? The answer is almost certainly no. This was a bespoke masterpiece, brought to life through the vision and patronage of John Hubbell, the trading post operator who commissioned it. Hubbell was no ordinary figure in Navajo history. Renowned for his fairness and genuine affinity with our people, he spoke fluent Navajo – a profound testament to his commitment. He played a pivotal role in establishing the first hospital and school in the Ganado area, fostering opportunities that benefited the community.
It is precisely because of such alliances that the renaming of the rug to "The Big Rug" leaves a lingering unease. While the Navajo Nation grapples with the vital imperative to safeguard our identity amid historical pressures, excising figures like Hubbell from our shared narrative risks more than historical accuracy; it diminishes the complex partnerships that sustained our traditions. This is not an endorsement of unchecked colonial legacies, but a call to recognize genuine cultural appreciation when it occurs.
Reflect on the economic heartbeat of Navajo artistry. My father, an accomplished silversmith, depended on commissions for his livelihood, transforming metal into heirlooms that provided for our family. These were not idle pursuits but essential endeavors – celebrations of survival, where a new order meant nourishment and stability. Countless pieces of jewelry, rugs, and pottery owe their existence to such patronage. Without Hubbell's commission, "The Big Rug" – and the unparalleled talent of its weaver – would remain unrealized. To celebrate the creation while erasing its catalyst overlooks the symbiotic exchange that fueled it.
In an era of heightened awareness around cultural appropriation, it is crucial to distinguish it from authentic appreciation. Hubbell's support exemplified the latter: a respectful investment in Navajo excellence that amplified our voices and preserved our skills. Navajo artists and their communities thrive when such opportunities are embraced, not shrouded in guilt. Far from exploitation, these commissions are lifelines, ensuring that traditions endure through economic viability.
The weaver of this extraordinary rug deserves every accolade for their genius and perseverance. Yet true homage demands acknowledging the full story – the hands that wove it, and the ally whose foresight made it possible. Renaming it "The Big Rug" strips away that nuance, reducing a profound collaboration to a generic label. Let us instead honor the entire tapestry: creators, patrons, and the enduring spirit of Navajo ingenuity.
As we navigate these conversations, may we approach them with balance – reclaiming our narratives while weaving in the threads of history that strengthened us. For those inspired by Navajo artistry, I invite you to explore and support authentic works from our tribal creators. In doing so, you become part of a living legacy, one commission at a time.
Shane Brown is a Navajo cultural advocate and descendant of traditional weavers and silversmiths.
Photo Credit: Instagram