Chief's blanket

Art Historical Context

This Chief's blanket is a striking wool textile created by an unidentified Diné (Navajo) weaver between 1855 and 1860. Measuring 62 by 73 1/2 inches, its generous size reflects its original purpose as a wearable garment that could also serve ceremonial or practical roles within Navajo life. The work belongs to a distinguished tradition of Navajo weaving that flourished in the American Southwest during the mid-19th century. Chief’s blankets held particular cultural prestige. They were often worn by community leaders and became highly valued trade items among neighboring tribes and later with American settlers. Woven from wool, they demonstrate the Navajo people’s exceptional skill in transforming introduced materials into objects of both utility and beauty. The period of this blanket’s creation coincides with a dynamic era of cultural exchange and artistic innovation in Navajo textile arts. Now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s American Wing collection, this example was given in 2019 to mark the Museum’s 150th anniversary. It stands as a testament to the enduring artistry and cultural significance of Diné weaving, inviting visitors to appreciate both its technical mastery and its place in Native American history.

About the Artist

Unidentified ( ) · –