An Unusual Woman Chief’s Blanket Variant

Navajo

1870 - 1880 | Wool | Item 1356

This is a powerful and highly graphic Navajo woman’s chief blanket variant. Thin horizontal bands of off-white and golden-brown 3 ply yarns make up the background. At the upper and lower border is a wider red band. This color is different from the internal serrated diamond with the arrow in the middle. The red bands have a more cochineal look to them, whereas the interior diamond a more orange-red color. All of the yarns are machine 3 plied, including the warps which are black. The yarns used here are similar to those given to the Navajo while they were held at the forts and the military supplied them with early, machine plied yarns. The fact that there is no handspun wool used may suggest this was woven at one of the forts.

The serrated diamond is expertly woven in the center. It is overlaid with white arrow in detail. The weaver’s control of the serrated edges and the balance is impressive. The black warps show through in many places and adds an intriguing layer of color to the whole ensemble. The blanket has a soft handle and is thin to the touch.