Large Vintage Native American Chimayo Wool Blanket
Directory: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Americas: American Indian: Blankets: Pre 1980: Item # 1268453
Please refer to our stock # W-TX3 when inquiring.
CULTURAL BACKGROUND: The patterns on Chimayo textiles are creative masterpieces of design and color, and have a rich cultural history. Spanish immigrant families of Northern New Mexico first began weaving in the village of Chimayo in the early 17th C. (1610-20), bringing a distinct Spanish weaving tradition with them. They also brought their favorite breed of sheep to New Mexico, the Navajo-Churro or Churro. This sheep is renowned for its hardiness to extremes of climate, and is favored for its non-oily, two layer wool coat. For hundreds of years these families used wooden floor looms and the wool of the Churro sheep to create blankets, rugs and textiles to keep them warm during the cold New Mexico winters. This tradition continues today. Within the small Northern New Mexico village of Chimayo, Navajo people and descendents from the original families continue to weave beautiful textiles.
DIMENSIONS: 84" long (not including fringe) x 52 1/2" wide.