Chief Blanket (Third Phase)
c. 1880
Medium
Wool, dovetail tapestry weave with "lazy lines"; twined warp ends and selvages; corner tassels
Dimensions
141 × 163.2 cm (55 1/2 × 64 1/4 in.)
Classification
blanket (covering)
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
210028
Art Historical Context
This stunning *Chief Blanket (Third Phase)*, woven by Diné (Navajo) artisans around 1880, exemplifies pinnacle of Navajo weaving mastery. Measuring 141 × 163.2 cm, this wool textile from the Art Institute of Chicago Textiles collection features the intricate geometric patterns characteristic of the Third Phase of Chief Blankets. These evolved from earlier striped designs into bold, stepped motifs, diamonds, and terraced borders, reflecting a sophisticated aesthetic that blended traditional symbolism with emerging commercial influences. Crafted using a dovetail tapestry weave with distinctive ...