Navajo Saddle Blankets

Navajo Saddle blankets have been woven for 140 years, the earliest Navajo saddle blankets were made out of natural red bayeta, indigo and hand spun yarn and were woven in a single saddle size blanket. A saddle blanket can come in a variety of styles and prices. Prices for Navajo saddle blankets and rugs for sale are determined by size, age, condition, tightness of weave and artistic merit. One of the most valuable Saddle blankets is the double saddle blanket. These have very simply designs with an almost modern aesthetic, even though are over a hundred years old. These Navajo weavings will run in price between $1500 to $8500 dollars. Twill single and double Navajo saddle blankets can run as little as $75 to $250 dollars. Medicine Man Gallery has the largest supply of both single saddle blankets, double saddle blankets and feature rugs that are suitable for using on a horse or for the best wall on your house. Medicine Man Gallery is always buying Navajo Saddle blankets and rugs.

Navajo Germantown Single Saddle Blanket

Navajo Single Saddle Blanket c. 1920

Navajo saddle blanket history: Navajo blankets woven during the last 100 years were Navajo saddle blankets. The Navajos stopped weaving blankets for their own use by the 1890’s and started weaving rugs, “Navajo rugs”. The trading post encouraged the Navajo to switch from weaving Navajo blankets to rugs because the Navajo rug was sellable to the eastern tourist trade. Navajo wearing blankets lost favor. No one wanted to wear a Navajo blanket, yet a Navajo rug was nearly indestructible and was ideal for floor use. The Navajo Saddle blanket, however, continued to be produced, and they are still woven today.

Navajo Germantown Double Saddle Blanket

This site is dedicated to the early Navajo saddle blankets from 1870 to 1950.

These are and were some of the few blankets that the Navajo continued to weave for their self use into the 20th century.

Single Saddle c. 1910

Navajo Teec Nos Pos Single Sunday Saddle Blanket

Teec Nos Pos Saddle Blanket c. 1920

Navajo saddle blankets come in a variety of sizes, colors, and thickness. The earliest saddle blankets were created in the 1870’s. Some Navajo experts feel the small weavings that are referred to as “Navajo Child’s Blankets” are nothing more than fancy saddle blankets. Dr. Mark Sublette, an expert in Navajo weavings, feels differently. “I believe that while photographic evidence is sparse to confirm Navajo Child’s Blankets, there is no reason not to believe that the Navajo would weave smaller blankets similar to their own larger serapes. The Navajo always cherished children and I’m sure Navajo mother;s would have wanted their children to be wrapped in a warm blanket, just as my mother made me a jacket when I was a boy”

Navajo Double Saddle Blanket with Horseshoe Pictorials and the Initials AD

Navajo Double Saddle with Horseshoe

During the 1890’s Navajo Saddle blankets made from Germantown wool became fashionable, and are some of the most intricate eyedazzler’s ever executed. They were tightly woven and done in numerous bright colors. Often woven on store bought cotton twine, these did not hold up to the heavy use on a horse and saddle. These are highly collectable especially when in good condition.

Navajo Double Saddle Blanket with Valero Stars

Navajo Crystal Double Saddle Blanket with Valero Stars

1900 to 1930 was the golden era of Navajo Saddle blankets.

Many of the most uniquely Navajo pieces were executed during this time. These simple yet elegant navajo rugs are very collectable today especially some of the more simplistic designs. Those weavings which utilize the Navajo or Dine’s own aesthetics for design and inspiration are compelling. One can not help but look at these artistic weavings and wonder if the modern artist of the early to mid -twentieth century were not just exploring and expanding from these early Navajo Saddle Blanket designs.

Navajo Single Saddle Blanket 1910