Early Native American

Native American Navajo/Hopi Blanket, early 20th Century, 2.4m x 1.4m, 95 by 54


Native American Navajo/Hopi Blanket, early 20th Century, 2.4m x 1.4m, 95 by 54
Native American Navajo/Hopi Blanket, early 20th Century, 2.4m x 1.4m, 95 by 54
Native American Navajo/Hopi Blanket, early 20th Century, 2.4m x 1.4m, 95 by 54
Native American Navajo/Hopi Blanket, early 20th Century, 2.4m x 1.4m, 95 by 54
Native American Navajo/Hopi Blanket, early 20th Century, 2.4m x 1.4m, 95 by 54
Native American Navajo/Hopi Blanket, early 20th Century, 2.4m x 1.4m, 95 by 54
Native American Navajo/Hopi Blanket, early 20th Century, 2.4m x 1.4m, 95 by 54
Native American Navajo/Hopi Blanket, early 20th Century, 2.4m x 1.4m, 95 by 54
Native American Navajo/Hopi Blanket, early 20th Century, 2.4m x 1.4m, 95 by 54
Native American Navajo/Hopi Blanket, early 20th Century, 2.4m x 1.4m, 95 by 54
Native American Navajo/Hopi Blanket, early 20th Century, 2.4m x 1.4m, 95 by 54
Native American Navajo/Hopi Blanket, early 20th Century, 2.4m x 1.4m, 95 by 54

Native American Navajo/Hopi Blanket, early 20th Century, 2.4m x 1.4m, 95 by 54    Native American Navajo/Hopi Blanket, early 20th Century, 2.4m x 1.4m, 95 by 54

Genuine Native American Navajo Tribe Blanket, early 20th Century. 2.4m by 1.4m, 95" by 54". With Yei/Yebichai (Yei Bi Chei) design. This woollen hand woven blanket comes from the South West of America, There are 57 tribes in this area, and of these, the tribe that wove this blanket would have been the Navajo tribe.

The blanket design depicts 12 Yebichai (Yei Bi Chei) dancers. The Yeii, or Yei, are spirit deities of the Navajo nation. The most benevolent of the Yeii are associated with the forces of nature.

The blanket uses geometric patterns in black, red and white, with white and grey detailing around the sides and a proper border. The Yei/Yeibichi design is very well done, with proper edged borders typical of a genuine Navajo weaving. The Yei's are highly artistic, formed figures, with extended bodies, short and straight legs and heads facing outwards.

Yebichai's are human in proportion, with faces looking sideways and legs bent as if in a dancing motion. The composition of this blanket indicates an early design. This blanket is double sided, from the early to mid 1900's.

It measures 2.4 x 1.4m, 95" by 54", and weighs an impressive 3.3kg, around 7.25 lbs. This blanket may also have been used as a wall hanging, or clothing by an important member of the tribe, or a large decorative rug. The average weaver takes anywhere from 2 months to many years to finish a single weaving. The size greatly determines the amount of time spent to complete the work. Therefore this blanket would have taken a considerable time to complete due to it's large size.

It shows a number of Navajo items exemplifying the culture. It depicts various rugs and blankets that have the same style and design as this blanket. The picture of the two Navajo tribesmen is by Witter Bynner, courtesy of Museum of New Mexico, via "Language of the Robe" depicting Patricio Calabaza, left, wearing a Navajo blanket, circa 1930. The current owner has had the blanket for over 30 years. Yei/Yebichai blankets are highly collectable and this is an excellent opportunity to own an exquisite example with excellent provenance.

We are required to do this due to the value and uniqueness of the blanket. Colours: Red, black, white, and grey.

Rug Size: 2.4m x 1.4m, 95" x 54". Approximate thickness is 1cm or 1/2 inch. From visual inspection - Warp: 11 per inch. Warp & weft is consistent across the whole weaving. Some errors are apparent due to the handmade nature of the blanket and the length of time needed to finish the weave. Weight: 3.3kg or 7.25 lbs. Condition: Excellent, with some light staining. Please see the photographs for full details. Other details: Very nicely woven.

Our deliveries will require a signature upon receipt. If you are not happy with your item please return in the original packaging and with all tags attached within 30 days.

We are always happy to answer any questions you may have about our items for sale. Visit us at 2 Broad Street, Hay on Wye. Open from 11am until 4am, 7 days a week, all year round. This item is in the category "Antiques\Ethnographic Antiques\Native American".

The seller is "hourglasscollection" and is located in this country: GB. This item can be shipped worldwide.

  1. Region of Origin: Native American
  2. Product: Textiles
  3. Age: 1900-1940
  4. Primary Material: Wool
  5. Original/ Repro: Original


Native American Navajo/Hopi Blanket, early 20th Century, 2.4m x 1.4m, 95 by 54    Native American Navajo/Hopi Blanket, early 20th Century, 2.4m x 1.4m, 95 by 54