Native American, Southwestern United States, Navajo, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. This is an incredible and vibrant textile blanket, hand woven by the Navajo, all hand woven from hand spun sheep wool. The fibers are dyed with warm reds and oranges, and darker earthen black and gray tones. The main ground is comprised of alternating stripes of the darker hues - this narrow banding style is known as Moki, one of the most historic Navajo weavings that dates to the early 18th century, and was known by the Navajo as "Spanish" or "Mexican Pelt," as this style was adopted from Spanish weavers. The bright orange and yellow triangular dazzlers have a terraced periphery that is superimposed on the stripes. The eye dazzle design - so called for its attractive symmetry - was popular with Navajo artisans and was inspired by the traditional Mexican Saltillo serape blankets. Size: 60" L x 41" W (152.4 cm x 104.1 cm)

The Navajo weaving tradition starts with the deity, Spider Woman, teaching the Navajo people to weave using a fantastical loom and materials made from the earth, lightning, and sky. For the mortal Navajo, cotton was their main material for hundreds of years before the Spaniards' introduction of sheep! Weaving was not solely focused on creating a useful textile - the process of weaving reconnected the Navajo with their cosmic origins and brought the beauty if their own creations into the world. These patterns are generations old and an enduring and iconic part of the Southwestern iconography.

Provenance: private Eagle, Colorado, USA collection, acquired in the 1990s

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#168401

Minor wear to fibers, otherwise intact and choice. Vibrant hues throughout.