1890s Transitional

Circa 1890s handwoven Navajo transitional weaving featuring a bold geometric design, woven with hand-carded and hand-spun wool using bright aniline dyes. Navajo weavings were originally made as blankets, but in the late 1800s the introduction of inexpensive machine-woven blankets reduced demand for handwoven examples. As traders began marketing these textiles to tourists for use as rugs and wall hangings, their function and presentation gradually shifted. The transitional period reflects this change from blanket weaving to rug weaving, and this piece is a strong example of the soft textiles of the era, characterized by vivid aniline dyes and the absence of a defined border that bridges the blanket and rug periods.

61.5” (5' 1.5") Width, 82” (6' 10") Length