In the early 1800s Navajo's tribal women began to weave chiefs' blankets. These blankets were often traded, so Indians all over the world wore them from the northern Great Plains of the United States to the Mexican border. Although blankets weren't considered to be a symbol, they were a sign of chieftainship. They were nevertheless a symbol affluence, power and luxury. They have a lot of history that makes them so important. It is the primary reason they are expensive.We have already covered some of the history associated with these rugs.
Navajo textile expert, Dr. J. Mark Sublette explains how Navajo blankets can be dated. This video provides an overview about the characteristics of authentic Navajo blankets. The Navajo does not make all rugs that look Native American or Southwestern. Mexico has a long tradition weaving rugs. If you don't know where to look, it can be confusing. Dr. J., a Navajo expert and Hispanic textile specialist, gives his advice in this video. Mark Sublette provides tips on how you can avoid common pitfalls when determining if a weaving is an authentic Navajo rug/blanket.
Navajo rugs are highly sought-after hand-woven textiles that can command a high price. However, it is not uncommon to find sellers who use the term “Navajo” for textiles that look like authentic Navajo rugs but are not Navajo made. Knowing the difference is important to avoid overpaying for textiles that actually have much less value. Most indicators need to be observed in person, making online buying more challenging.
These blankets were highly valuable trade items among tribes who did not have their own weaving traditions. Even at that time, Navajo blankets cost a lot to buy, so only the wealthiest tribe members could afford them. Plains cultures particularly valued Navajo blankets due to their warmth, comfort, visual beauty, and comfort. An individual riding horseback with one of these weavings can be identified by the design and color of his blanket. According to Navajo weaving tradition, Navajo-wearing blankets were made for only 50 years. The end of that era was marked by the development of mechanical weaving technologies, which led to affordable blankets made from Pendleton Woolen Mills becoming widely available.
Yes, it is a Chief Blanket variation. It combines elements the Third Phase Chief Blanket, with what are called Moqui blankets. They have black-and-blue stripes and are associated the period when many Navajos served as servants in Hispanic homes north of New Mexico. Most of the fakes and reproductions you will see are from Mexico, India, Pakistan and Ukraine. A few copies have been created in the United States. Fake rugs from Mexico use a horizontal Spanish/European-style loom. At each end, the warps are attached at the loom. Although there might be a cabled bundle at each end of the warps to ensure dimensional stability while weaving, there will not be any side cords like in a true Navajo rug. Once the rug is completed, it should be taken out of the loom.