12.10.2009

The Story of the “Spirit String”

An interesting tradition still followed by many (if not all) Navajo rug makers is making sure that a “spirit string” is part of the completed rug. You see, the Navajo rug maker puts a lot of time and effort into each handmade rug. They believe that part of their spirit or soul gets trapped in the rug as it is woven on the loom. They purposely leave a small piece of yarn, called the “spirit string,” sticking out slightly from the surface of the rug. This will allow their spirit or soul a way to get out of the rug.

Also, the Navajo believe that only God is perfect and that what humans do cannot be on the same perfect level. Therefore, they will make sure some little imperfection is part of anything they create. Usually, one has to look very close to find the imperfection, so it does not detract from the beauty of the item. On a Navajo rug, it’s the loose piece of yarn. On beaded handiwork, one of the beads might be threaded differently to ensure some slight imperfection. For many people, even though the imperfection is not noticeable, knowing it’s part of the creation adds to the charm.