An Early Navajo Rug; Late Pound Rug / Heavy Blanket

ca 1880-1900

48" x 32"

banded with diamond Cloud motif. Of heavy hand spun wool, tightly woven;

Recently professionally cleaned, showing very little wear, and in excellent overall condition. 

The late 19th century was an early reservation period where the early blanket designs were utilized in the early weavings made to sell as rugs.... hence the Transition from Blanket to Rug. Weavings were also sold by "The Pound" and we see a trend to heavier pieces also at this period. While some Pound Rugs were woven loose and ladened with sand to make them heavier still, this one is tightly woven and of a higher grade than many. Likely made as a rug to sell, but may have also been used as a winter coat by a smaller person as the Navajo still woven blankets to wear at this time. One will never know.