Navajo, Southwest
1890
Commercially spun and dyed wool (Germantown yarn) Height 51 inches (129.5 cm); width 37 inches (94 cm)
Provenance: James and Marlene Henderson, Los Angeles, California
Germantown weavings take their name from the commercially spun and dyed wool yarns produced at mills in Germantown, Pennsylvania, which reached Navajo weavers via railroad and reservation trading posts beginning around 1870 to 1875. The introduction of these yarns, available in a range of colors previously inaccessible to Navajo weavers, produced a distinctive period in the weaving tradition marked by bold, high-contrast geometric designs. Early examples were woven with three-ply yarn; by the time of this piece, four-ply yarn had become standard.
The vivid palette and geometric patterning of this weaving are characteristic of the Germantown period, when Navajo weavers responded creatively to the new range of commercial colors. The tight construction and clear design reflect accomplished weaving within the conventions of the type. Named provenance from the Henderson collection, Los Angeles, provides a documented collecting history for this piece.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Navajo, Southwest
1890
Commercially spun and dyed wool (Germantown yarn) Height 51 inches (129.5 cm); width 37 inches (94 cm)
Provenance: James and Marlene Henderson, Los Angeles, California
Germantown weavings take their name from the commercially spun and dyed wool yarns produced at mills in Germantown, Pennsylvania, which reached Navajo weavers via railroad and reservation trading posts beginning around 1870 to 1875. The introduction of these yarns, available in a range of colors previously inaccessible to Navajo weavers, produced a distinctive period in the weaving tradition marked by bold, high-contrast geometric designs. Early examples were woven with three-ply yarn; by the time of this piece, four-ply yarn had become standard.
The vivid palette and geometric patterning of this weaving are characteristic of the Germantown period, when Navajo weavers responded creatively to the new range of commercial colors. The tight construction and clear design reflect accomplished weaving within the conventions of the type. Named provenance from the Henderson collection, Los Angeles, provides a documented collecting history for this piece.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
