Chief's blanket
1855–60
Medium
Wool
Dimensions
62 × 73 1/2 in. (157.5 × 186.7 cm)
Classification
Blanket
Culture
Diné/Navajo
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of John and Margot Ernst, in celebration of the Museum's 150th Anniversary, 2019
Accession Number
2019.373.3
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 A...
About the Artist
Unidentified ( ) · –