Posted 9 years ago
Ceci
(29 items)
This blanket was found in a bag up in the rafters of the cottage. I am wondering about the age. I love the colours. I also wonder how an American trade blanket ended up in Canada along the Hudson Bay Trade route. Something to ponder....
The pattern is that of a Navajo Third Phase Chief's blanket. They were a main trade item for the Navajo in the 1860-1880 time period.
Be aware, however, that the pattern itself has been woven after that, up to the present, so you can't go just by the design. It does look good, though, but it would require a hands-on examination by an expert in early Navajo weaving to authenticate whether it is an actual late 1800s blanket, or a later copy...which might be a good idea. Original chief's blankets are some of the most valuable Navajo textiles.
See: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/fts/tucson_200601A55.html
Hi Canyon Road. Thanks for the information. The first builders of the cottage were American so they may have brought the blanket with them. The cottage is a log structure built in the 1800's on the Voyageur waterway. It is in a provincial park and is now declared a heritage site. There are many old Hudson Bay blankets in the cottage but I was amazed to find a Navaho. I will get it looked at. Thanks again.
Please let us know what you find out, inquiring minds want to know!