Wearing Blanket
1860-90
Medium
Wool, plain weave with "lazy lines" and dovetail tapestry weave; twined warp ends and selvages; knotted corner tassels
Dimensions
177.8 × 125.4 cm (70 × 49 3/8 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
210026
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The Diné trace their knowledge of weaving and design to two holy people: Spider Man, who created the vertical loom, and Spider Woman, who taught them how to weave. These blankets typically were worn around both shoulders or wrapped around the torso with one end draped over one shoulder. Designs started with simple banded horizontal stripes and became increasingly complex over time. The predominantly geometric patterns of wearing blankets manifest the essential Diné concept of hózhó: the harmony ...