Chief Blanket

Datec. 1880-1890

Mediumnatural handspun wool; red aniline dye and indigo

Dimensions48 9/16 × 63 1/4 inches (123.3 × 160.7 cm)
Velcro: 63 1/4 inches (160.7 cm)

Credit LineBequest of H.J. Lutcher Stark, 1965

Object number82.900.111

ClassificationsTextiles

DescriptionYarn colors are navy, brown, white and red. White and brown are from natural wool colors. Red is aniline dye; blue is indigo.

Label TextThe Diné (Navajo) blanket of simple stripes of natural colors became known as a chief blanket. The Diné (Navajo) traded this type of blanket with other tribes. The owner would likely be a person of status, although not necessarily a chief. This beautiful weaving is characteristic of a second-phase chief blanket. The second phase has wide stripes of natural colors with narrow stripes and rectangular blocks of colors at the ends and the center.

ProvenanceGeorge A. Cuneo Collection; purchased by Kohlberg's Antiques and Indian Art, Denver Colorado; H.J. Lutcher Stark [1887-1965]; bequeathed September 2, 1965 to the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation; accessioned to the Stark Museum of Art

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