Oriental Rugs Dictionary

Chief Blanket

A flatweave blanket woven by Navahos with simple designs. Colors are some combination of red, Black, Blur or brown on a white field. There were no chiefs among the Navaho, but these blankets did indicate some prestige because they were finely woven.

Chief blankets are classified in three phases according to design evolution. First phase design consists of stripes only. Second phase designs consist of stripes with blocks or groups of rectangles inserted within the stripes. The third phase designs consist of diamonds or crosses superimposed over stripes. Third phase designs were created after Navaho internment at Bosque Redondo.