In the decades after the railroads arrived in the Southwest in 1880, a flourishing trade developed that marketed the goods that the Indians produced to the markets back East and throughout the United States. This trade was significantly helped by the establishment of two trading posts, including the Crystal Trading Post founded by JB Moore in 1896.

This Navajo textile is likely from JB Moore’s Crystal Trading Post. Beginning in 1911, Moore produced catalogs marketing Navajo textiles that gave examples of textiles that were heavily influenced in design by Oriental rugs (encouraged by JB Moore) and people could order style, size and quality.

This textile is of the highest quality, which is rarely found, and it has survived the years in excellent condition.