Chief Blanket (Third Phase)
c. 1880
Medium
Wool, plain weave with "lazy lines" and dovetail tapestry weave; warp and weft twining; corner tasseles
Dimensions
153.7 × 206.4 cm (60 1/2 × 81 1/4 in.)
Classification
blanket (covering)
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
210027
Art Historical Context
This stunning *Chief Blanket (Third)*, woven by Diné (Navajo) around 1880, exemplifies the of Navajo textile traditions in the late 19th century. Measuring an impressive 153.7 × 206.4 cm, this wool blanket served as both a functional covering and a symbol of prestige. Navajo weavers, renowned for their intricate handwoven textiles, produced "Chief Blankets" like this one, which were highly valued trade items, often acquired by Plains Indian leaders—hence the name—despite rarely being worn by Navajo chiefs themselves. The blanket's construction highlights sophisticated techniques: a plain weav...