Very RARE 3-PLY 72" x 52" Navajo Germantown Shoulder Blanket c.1864-1875

Description

~Len Wood's Indian Territory~
Rare Navajo  Three-Ply Germantown Full-size Shoulder Blanket
c.1864-1875 (3-ply Germantown Trade Yarn period which predates the more common 4-ply Germantown period which began in late 1870s)
in Classic Period designs
Both sides are quite even in color density with minimal fading on one side
52" x 72
Very fine Germantown shoulder blanket with late-classic stepped diamond motif.
Germantown yarn was first introduced to the Navajo in rare 3-ply form. Although we have handled many Germantown yarn blankets over the years this is the first and only 3-ply we have had and it shares the Classic Period weaving motifs that were being woven in homespun wool and raveled yarns during this era.
With beautiful change in color in field with light red areas woven against dark red field much like the sedimentary rock of the desert southwest.
Some selvage repair and some light color run in a small area as shown in photos, but overall this is in superior condition, especially for weavings of this era.
3-ply Germantown yarn was used circa 1864-1875 with 4-ply Germantown used from 1875 to 1900.
The two lighter bands of red are Intentional bands of salmon light red 3 ply Germantown trade yarn interspersed in several areas with the same darker red Germantown trade yarn running throughout the lighter in several spots as I have shown in the attached photos. I have seen this intentional interplay of lighter and darker  shades of the same color used before in early Navajo weavings ,Classic blankets, Transitionals,both homespun and Germantown trade yarn examples, as well as early to mid 20th c Navajo Ganados, and whether it  was done to indicate the color changes in and within the multi hued sedimentary rock formations of the southwest  is my current "best guess" as to the weaver intention in this textile as well as in other textiles sharing the same lighter and darker shades technique. Obviously the weaver did not "need" to stop and start and change the dark wool to light and back again,   it was a deliberate effort that required additional work and additional time so she was trying to produce a specific effect. Artistically the textile displays more "visual energy", is less "flat" and has more life and interplay with the color variations as well and this appears to be an important factor in the earlier Navajo textiles before they became more influenced by modern/commercial tastes and sensibilities.
Notes from Len Wood's Indian Territory Gallery:
Hello and welcome! Shown here is an excellent example of a blanket in great condition.
Please view photographs attached in listing for a visual representation of this item's condition.
(#010405-05a)
From a private estate collection, t
his is now available through our family owned and operated gallery in CA since 1969 (Click on "About Me" for more information).
SHIPMENT & OUR GUARANTEES:
We package all items for shipment in the utmost professional manner, and all shipments are fully insured. We ship via UPS Ground with Signature Required unless otherwise instructed.
Please read our
Store Policies
for all of our shipping information.
Satisfaction and Authenticity is Guaranteed with every order that you place with us. We are a family owned and operated Antique Indian Art Gallery, now celebrating our 50th anniversary. Please view our eBay Store, and click on our About Me link to learn more about us!
We allow all customers to view our items before purchase in person at our gallery. Additional photos are available upon request - Please let us know how we can help you!