Wearing Blanket

Description

The Diné trace their knowledge of weaving and design to two holy people: Spider Man, who created the vertical loom, and Spider Woman, who taught them how to weave. These blankets typically were worn around both shoulders or wrapped around the torso with one end draped over one shoulder. Designs started with simple banded horizontal stripes and became increasingly complex over time. The predominantly geometric patterns of wearing blankets manifest the essential Diné concept of hózhó: the harmony and order that come through a balance of apparent opposites, such as day and night, which permeates the world.

Provenance

Alan R. Brodie (died Oct. 18, 2010), Chicago, by 2010; bequeathed to the Art Institute, 2012.

Wearing Blanket

Diné (Navajo)

1860-90

Accession Number

210026

Medium

Wool, plain weave with "lazy lines" and dovetail tapestry weave; twined warp ends and selvages; knotted corner tassels

Dimensions

177.8 × 125.4 cm (70 × 49 3/8 in.)

Classification

textile

Museum

The Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, United States

Credit Line

Bequest of Alan R. Brodie