The Durango Collection®
Navajo Classic: 1750-1875
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First Phase Chief's Blanket
The first phase chief's blanket, a Navajo wearing blanket with wide alternating brown and white stripes, is best known for its simple, striking design, the quality of the wool, which is from "old style" churro sheep, and the fineness of the weave. These blankets, which date from 1800 to the early 1860's, have become the basis on which historic Navajo blankets are evaluated by today's art market. The term "Ute style blanket" has often been applied to this blanket because it was a frequent trade item to the Utes. The term "chief" is used because important people wore this type of blanket. While wearing blankets with wide alternating white and brown stripes are generally considered to designate a male wearing blanket, many historical photos show women wearing this type of blanket. |