Based on what I've read this might fit the criteria for a Navajo 'Chief's Blanket' but I wanted your all's feedback. It's 58" wide (4' 9") by 46" tall (3' 10"). I found it in an antique mall in Montana. I'm guessing it's fairly recent, but I welcome all feedback. Thanks as always.
It wants to be, and copies basic elements of the traditional designs, but I don't think it is Navajo made. It certainly is not a 19th century chief's blanket. Looking at the edges - there are no side cords, and it looks like there are bundles of warps at the edge. See how the thickness of the warp is greatest at the outer edge, decreasing as you move into the middle of the textile? This indicates bundles of warps, which is characteristic of Mexican weaving. If you can spread the wefts to look at the warps, you can probably see the bundles. I also don't like the technique of the vertical color change. In Navaho weaving, each line of weft alternates with the other color, interlocking around a single warp. On this textile, several lines of weft are bunched together, forming little triangles. The warp selvage is not correct, either. If you have not already, you should buy a copy of Noel Bennet's little booklet - Genuine Navajo Rug: How to Tell.
Chemical dyes for sure, so it can't be a chief's blanket. It's a nice design though; if you can physically handle wool and you want it on a wall, go for it.
Thank you very much for the thoughtful analysis @2manybooks. I definitely see your point about there being more than one warp cord in the outer-most edges. I will say, though, that I have other weavings that I believe to be authentic and that also have that trait. Here's an older Gallup throw that shows it: And here's two more weavings: Could it be that these are all Mexican weavings? I also agree with your comment about the color changes, with three wefts being bundled together into little triangles. I have not seen that detail before. I have ordered the booklet you recommended. Thanks again!
You do sometimes see 2 warps included in the outside row of Navajo weavings (although some references say there should always be only one). But in the Mexican textiles there are multiple warp threads in the last row, a bit fewer in the next row in, and so forth until there is only one warp further in to the fabric.
I agree with completely with what 2manybooks has stated, that this is not Navajo, and therefore not Native American. Here is also a good web site that not only explains the difference between Navajo rugs and the Mexican copies, but has drawings to show what to look for: https://www.navajorugrepair.com/fake.htm
