Storm, A Navajo Storm Pattern Design, The Artful Stitch

The Storm Pattern design had its origins in the Western Reservation of the Navajo Nation around Tuba City, Arizona.

The fundamental design of the rug centers around a number of specific elements. It is a bordered, completely symmetrical rug that features a center square or "hogan" that according to legend represents the center of the world. The four lightning bolts that radiate out from that center send blessings to each of the connected four corner squares representing the four sacred mountains. Other features can include very-stylized water beetles, diamonds, arrows and zigzags.

Of course, this all sounds quite symbolic, but, in all probability, the Storm Pattern was initially designed by a white trader who keenly understood what Native American symbolism would captivate his Eastern buyers!