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.
These early weavings made before the 1870s are very rare, bringing tens of thousands of dollars-or more-from collectors and museums. The so-called Chief’s Blanket is a specific style of manta that went through a distinct design evolution. First Phase blankets were made from about 1800 to 1850 and consisted simply of brown (or blue) and white stripes with the top, bottom and center stripes usually being wider than the others. Second Phase blankets included small red rectangles at the center and ends of the darker stripes and were made about 1840 to 1870. The Third Phase type, between 1860 and 1880, saw the addition of stepped or serrated diamonds of color to the center and ends of the wide stripes. In weavings of the Fourth Phase, made from 1870 through the early 1900s, diamond motifs became larger and more elaborate, often overtaking the stripes as primary design elements. Revivals of chief’s blankets-usually made as rugs-have been popular since the 1950s.
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 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.
The Chinle style came before theother 2 banded styles. This was a revival of the borderless and banded designsof the Early Classic Period of Navajo weaving. Aniline dyes of red and blackare used for highlights. They have muted pastels with natural greys, whites,golds, and greens. Occasionally they may also have bright and bold black,white, and red. The Chinle style originated in the town of Chinle but is now woven everywhere in theNavajo nation. Because of its simplicity, it takes less time to weave and istherefore one of the most commonly woven 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.
Although rugs have been the predominant product of Navajo looms over past century, weavers have continued to make other types of products, if on a smaller scale. Navajo culture thoroughly embraced the horse in the late 19th century, and saddle blankets were commonly produced until the 1950s. Single Saddle Blankets were roughly 30″ square, and Double Saddle Blankets were of similar width, but about twice and long and were doubled over when in use to provide extra padding. Early saddle blankets often were woven in simple striped patterns, and double saddle blankets now are sometimes difficult to distinguish from Transitional wearing blankets. By the end of the period, saddle blankets frequently had patterns only at the corners or edges since only those parts of the blanket were visible when in use. Double saddle blankets sometimes had a different pattern on each half. Fancy Saddle Blankets, often featuring bright colors, elaborate patterns and fringes, were probably more for show than function.