Wow, I love that blanket.

All of American history has been leading to this moment: "Hey guys, let's commit genocide, but not so much that we don't have a chance to commodify the culture we're wiping out! And as a real fuck you to native peoples, let's have someone else make the stuff so the people who originated the designs don't get any returns!"

end buzzkill

Bravo, Katie!

On the bright side, the Navajo Nation has trademarked its name for use in arts and crafts, so they can sue any of these companies calling their blankets and throw pillows, etc. "Navajo." They've already gone after Urban Outfitters recently.

Kilim = Southwestern?

Dittoo what Katie said. Not saying that you can't have Navajo or other Native American-influenced design in your home, but you need to be careful. I've heard that certain Navajo patterns, for instance, have spiritual significance.

ARGHHHH every time something with a Native American design theme gets posted here, people freak out.

Timothy, those items are beautiful and I appreciate them. Thank you for posting!

Where are the comments with people freaking out? Politely and briefly calling attention to the very legit problem of cultural appropriation isn't exactly throwing a tantrum. Nobody said this stuff wasn't beautiful--most of us said quite the opposite. Getting called out on privilege isn't fun, but that doesn't mean it should never happen.

Is this the point at which somebody goes on a rant about how I'm too "PC" and people should just relax because it's just some crap on a blog etc.? Saying something matters because culture matters.

And yes, the items are very lovely, albeit problematic. Tim is probably a perfectly nice guy, too.

Of course, turkish Kilims from Anatolia and Navajo rugs are exactly the same- not. A little bit more knowledge, attention and respect would be nice while writing those articles.

I just think people should buy Navajo designs from Navajo people. And they should not generalize anything that looks southwestern to be Navajo.

Are there some sources online where one could get authentic Navajo designs from the Navajo people? I feel like that could be something interesting to feature on AT. Maybe other Native American groups as well? I'd far rather have the real thing, and better yet, know what it means to the people who created it, than something mass produced, beautiful though it is.

Another option: knit or crochet your own?

These do rock my world, but FYI these are middle eastern, not Native American. They are Persian, Pakistani, Turkish... etc.

Hey folks, Timothy Ragan here. Sorry for any of the confusion regarding Kilim being Southwestern. I guess I was just trying to point out that the trend is the geometric influence in both Turkish and Southwestern styles. Cheers everyone. TR

@a.hidden.bird A good source for authentic rugs can be found at http://navajorug.com/ They are exclusively one of a kind and you can contact Steve directly via phone.

Thanks Timothy!