Classic Period (prior to 1868)
During the Classic Period, the Navajo wove utilitarian items of clothing (blankets and other items) for their own use and for trade to the Spanish and Plains Indians. These items were woven using the wool from the Spanish Churro sheep introduced by Coronado in 1540 and again in 1598 by Don Juan Ornate. The Churro remained the primary wool source for Navajo weaving from at least as early as the Reconquest of New Mexico in 1692 which ended the Pueblo Rebellion of 1680 until the “Long Walk” of 1863. Included in items woven during this time period would have been the so-called “Chief’s” blanket. Through the course of the 1800’s the Chief’s blanket evolved into 3 distinct styles or phases 1,2,3. The design of the First Phase Chief’s Blanket consists of simple horizontal stripes of blue, brown and ivory. The Second Phase blankets, appearing around the mid 19th century, included rectangular motifs within the horizontal bands. Third Phase blankets have a diamond shaped motif in the center and terraced or serrated triangles at the sides and corners. It is an interesting irony that the Navajos have never had tribal chiefs.
Many could legitimately argue that the Classic Period ended much later than 1863. In truth, there were quite a number of “Classic” weavings (blankets) made after 1868, but the beginning of the end of the Classic Period was in 1863 with the “Long Walk” and the internment of 8000 Navajo people at Fort Sumner, New Mexico.
First Phase “Chief’s Blanket”
2nd Phase “Chiefs Blanket”
3rd Phase “Chief’s Blanket”
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