Navajo Handwoven Third Phase Chief’s Blanket

Navajo handwoven late classic Chief's blanket by an unknown weaver. Third phase rug spun with a red flannel cloth called bayeta or baize that they would strip out or unravel and spin it into new red wool. The chief's blanket is so-named because these Navajo woven blankets; warm, soft, naturally water-resistant, artistically beautiful, and skillfully woven, were greatly valued by the Native Americans of the Plains as well as the Southwest. These blankets were costly to obtain and were usually worn by chiefs or important headmen. Churro wool dyed with indigo for the blue and brown and white natural sheep wool. Tight weave, all handspun warp, weft, and churro wool.

Circa: 1865