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An Antique Navajo Chief Blanket Third Phase

Origin

United States

Period

19th Century

Materials

wool

Dimensions

W.	76 in;	H.	69 in;
W.	193.04 cm;	H.	175.26 cm;

Condition

Good. Well preserved example, no significant fading or losses, spotty stains and discoloration, small areas of possible rewoven.

Creation Date

late 19th century

Description

On offer is a Navajo chief blanket of the third phase circa 1860-1880. The chief blanket is the highest achievement of the Navajo textile development and this is a wonderful example of the high quality. Woven from off white, brown churro yarns of various shade, and two discernible shade of red, this blanket features a classic third phase design with nice serrated diamond on the striped background. Lazy lines are present in many part of the piece and also mixture of yarns of slightly different shades. Particularly, the blanket has a very silky smooth feel on the surface, suggesting a possibility that the yarns used may be of the Saxony origin.
Very well preserved, clean and odor-free. A couple of stains, minor spotty discoloration and some small areas of historical rewoven can be detected and are shown on the detail photos.
For a similar blanket, see Navajo Textiles: The William Randolph Hearst Collection by Nancy J. Blomberg, pg 72.

Styles / Movements

American Indian, Traditional

Incollect Reference Number

281138