Ethnological Textile Collections

CLASSIC PERIOD NAVAJO SARAPE

Dates: 1840 - 1860
Material: Wool.
Catalog No.: E-2724

This sarape or wearing blanket is woven of both handspun and raveled yarns. The blue color source is indigo, the green is a mixture of indigo and vegetal dyes, and the raveled red yarn is cochineal dyed. A "Spider Woman's hole" at the center is sewn closed. This button hole type of feature was woven into some Navajo rugs in the 19th century, and has been described as a means of escape for the weaver's spirit.