Navajo (Dine) Third Phase Chief's blanket

We call the period immediately after the Navajo were forced onto Reservations “the Transitional Period” in Navajo weavings. The weavers needed to produce weavings that could be sold on the commercial market through traders, who encouraged them to weave rugs rather than blankets. This Chief's blanket is much wider than the traditional Chief's wearing blanket and clearly was not made to be worn. However, It is finely woven, almost blanket-like.

The design is known as a "Third Phase Variant". Third Phase blankets are defined by the horizontal stripes and a nine-point design made up of diamonds and triangles. In a variant version, the nine point design expands and overlaps some of the horizontal stripes, creating an optical effect. The hooks that are within the design are an influence from the traders at Hubbell Trading Post and Crystal Trading Post who hung images of kilims on the walls.

This rug can be used on the wall, on a bed or on the floor in a place that does not get heavily traffic. The strong colors and dynamic designs make a wonderful aesthetic statement.