Navajo Weaving, Germantown Geometric

Dateca. 1885

OriginAmerica, Arizona, Navajo Reservation or New Mexico, Northern

MediumWool and Cotton

DimensionsOH: 54" x OW: 37" (137.2 × 94cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, James L. Mullins in memory of Dr. Kathleen Stiso Mullins

Object number2021.609.6

DescriptionThis is a bright-colored rectangular tapestry-woven wool and cotton textile in cream, two-shades of red, burgundy, purple, khaki brown, teal, mustard yellow, black, and dull gold. The weaving has a centered vertical layout with a bilateral design consisting of 14 multicolored diamonds on each side flanking 7 serrated multicolored diamonds. The juncture between colors on the serrated diamonds forms an “eye dazzler” effect. The border at top and bottom consists of three half diamonds. On both sides is a meandering or terraced border, otherwise known as a Greek key motif, in cream, purple, khaki brown, and black. The entire design is organized on a solid red ground of raveled wool. The other colorful wool yarns are Germantown yarns.
Label TextFor generations, a small number of anonymous Navajo (Diné) women working on hand looms have created weavings that express their artistry, an independence of spirit, and a sense of humor. From about 1885 to 1915, local traders imported high-quality woolen yarns from Germantown, Pennsylvania, for use in Navajo weavings. With the finer yarn, Navajo women could produce more detailed images in their weavings. The Diné weaver of this textile used a variety of brightly dyed Germantown yarns to create a vibrant example of weaving. The centered vertical layout with a bilateral design of multicolored diamonds differs from the earlier Navajo shoulder blankets, which were woven wider than high with horizontal bands of indigo blue and natural colors of white, brown, and black. The juncture between colors on the serrated diamonds of this weaving forms an “eye dazzler” effect—a lively style found on many weavings during this period.
ProvenanceOther than vendor, there is no known provenance.