Sarape with Terraced Zigzag Design 1865 - 1885

This is a Navajo Sarape with Terraced Zigzag Design, made with wool. The eye is immediately drawn to the sarape's fiery red ground, a chromatic field against which bold geometric patterns unfold. Large, terraced zigzag lines create diamond shapes, an arrangement which gives the piece a structured, almost architectural quality. The stepped edges of the zigzags, rendered in contrasting colors such as white, black and olive-green, introduce a dynamic rhythm across the surface. The weaving technique and the geometric motifs suggest a dialogue between tradition and innovation. The central diamond could be interpreted as a sign, perhaps alluding to cosmological concepts. But, within the formal language of the textile, these symbolic readings are always mediated by the visual impact of the weave itself. Notice how the terraced edges and vibrant palette create a visual tension, underscoring the piece’s aesthetic force. The sarape invites ongoing interpretation, both of its structural composition and its possible cultural meanings.