An Early Blue Bordered Zuni Manta Circa 1860

Zuni

Circa mid 19th Century | Wool | Item 1264

This manta was originally found as a dress (see second photo included), folded in half and stitched up the side. The red and green yarns were not natural, and appeared to have been added during the late 19th century. These colored yarns were removed and the dress was opened up as a full manta. This example has no restoration and is in generally very good shape with a few minor issues. The wool is churro, finely woven with a thin and supple handle. Particularly nice is the abrash (color variations) within the indigo blue diamond twill bands.

Collector’s Notes:

Affixed with a paper tag inscribed: Zuni Squaw Dress – Hopi Type with Quail’s eye top & bottom / Purchased by RHR from Zuni prob around 1922

Price
$7,800
Dimensions 50" by 41.5"
Condition Worn and not restored
Provenance Roy Robinson Collection
An early blue borded manta, Zuni, circa 1860
This Zuni dress was first purchased sewn up as a dress. The red and green yarns were later additions which I had removed so the manta could be fully opened up.
Here is the manta opened up but before washing. The fold from being used as a dress is still clearly visible in the center.
The manta after being washed.
The existing label still on the dress, saying "Purchased by RHR from Zuni prov around 1922
Here is the other side of the label: "Zuni squaw dress Hopi style with Quails eyes top and bottom."
Here we see an ethnographic repair.