1890s Transitional

Circa 1890s Handwoven Navajo Transitional Weaving with Hand-Carded and Spun Wool in a Diamond Design using Aniline Red Dye and Natural Undyed Wool Colors. The weaving has minor color bleeding, but is in overall great condition.

Navajo weavings were originally made as blankets, but during the late 1800s, the arrival of inexpensive machine-woven blankets reduced demand for hand-woven ones. As traders introduced these pieces to tourists for use as rugs and wall hangings, weaving shifted in purpose. The “transitional period” was a time when Navajo weavers were transitioning from weaving blankets to rugs. This weaving is a prime example of these soft textiles with bright aniline dyes and no defined borders that bridged the blanket and rug periods.

64” (5.33') Width, 90.5” (7.54') Length