Blanket c. 1855 - 1885

This blanket was created by a Navajo weaver, of the Diné people, using wool. Textiles have always been central to Diné life, serving practical and symbolic functions. Blankets like this one embody Diné cultural values and social structures. The geometric patterns, rendered in red, white, and dark blue, may represent elements of the natural world, clan affiliations, or spiritual beliefs. Weaving is traditionally a woman's art form, passed down through generations and the blankets serve as a medium for storytelling and cultural preservation. In the 19th century, Diné weaving became increasingly commercialized as trade with European settlers expanded. While this brought economic opportunities, it also led to cultural appropriation and exploitation. To fully understand the historical significance of this blanket, we might consult ethnographic studies, oral histories, and museum collections. These resources help us understand how art reflects and shapes social relations.