Blanket or Rug
c. 1900 (Transitional Period)
Medium
Wool, dovetailed tapestry weave; twined edges; corner knotted tassel; two selvages present
Dimensions
218.5 × 140.5 cm (86 × 55 1/4 in.); Warp repeat: H.: 104 cm (41 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
153686
Art Historical Context
This stunning Navajo (Diné) blanket or rug, woven around 1900 during the Transitional Period, captures a pivotal moment in Diné textile artistry. The Transitional Period marked a shift in Navajo weaving traditions, as weavers adapted age-old techniques to new markets influenced by Anglo-American traders. Originally crafted for personal use as wearable blankets, these pieces began evolving into durable rugs, blending cultural continuity with emerging commercial demands. Expertly made from wool using a dovetailed tapestry weave—a hallmark of Navajo mastery that interlocks weft yarns without sli...