Third Phase Navajo Chiefs Blanket C. 1890 Handmade Native America Textile Square

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An exceptional antique Navajo Third Phase Chief’s Blanket dating to circa 1890, representing one of the most celebrated and historically … Read more An exceptional antique Navajo Third Phase Chief’s Blanket dating to circa 1890, representing one of the most celebrated and historically significant forms of Navajo weaving. Handwoven in wool on a traditional loom, this striking textile features the classic Third Phase design distinguished by bold horizontal striping and prominent diamond motifs integrated into the composition. The blanket presents alternating bands of deep brown and natural ivory wool across the field, creating a strong rhythmic structure. At the center, a vivid red diamond medallion anchors the composition, framed by serrated edges that echo traditional Navajo design vocabulary. Large triangular stepped forms at each side and corner, rendered in rich red, warm ochre, and muted gray-blue tones, add dramatic movement and visual balance to the overall design. Third Phase Chief’s Blankets are highly prized for their historical importance and their sophisticated geometry. Originally worn as garments of prestige and status, these blankets were valued trade items throughout the American Southwest during the late 19th century. By this period, Navajo weavers had perfected the integration of bold color fields with complex geometric ornamentation, resulting in textiles that are both powerful and refined. The wool fibers display the characteristic handspun texture and subtle variation that distinguish authentic Navajo weaving. The palette—featuring saturated red alongside earthy browns, ivory, ochre, and gray—creates a dramatic contrast that remains visually compelling more than a century after its creation. Measuring 4 feet 3 inches x 5 feet 5 inches, this piece functions beautifully as either a decorative wall textile or a collectible floor covering. Its graphic strength and historic significance make it equally at home in sophisticated contemporary interiors or important textile collections. A rare and iconic example of late 19th-century Navajo weaving, this Third Phase Chief’s Blanket embodies the artistry, cultural heritage, and enduring design legacy of Navajo textile tradition. See less