Navajo Double Saddle Blanket Value Guide

This Navajo Double Saddle Blanket, dating from 1900 to 1930, represents a transition from utilitarian horse gear to a highly respected art form. Hand-woven from hand-spun wool, these textiles were designed to be folded over a horse's back, serving as both a functional cushion and a visible display of the rider's status.

What Is Navajo Double Saddle Blanket Worth?

The typical price range for Navajo Double Saddle Blanket is $300 - $375 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The preservation of the hand-spun wool fibers and the lack of fraying or moth damage.
• The complexity and symmetry of the geometric patterns woven into the neutral-toned field.
• Historical provenance linking the piece to the 1900-1930 era of United States production.
• The vibrancy and consistency of the natural dyes used throughout the textile.

How to Identify Navajo Double Saddle Blanket?

• Look for the specific 'double' dimensions, typically measuring approximately 30 by 60 inches to allow for folding.
• Examine the weave for hand-spun wool textures and the presence of natural dyes in neutral tones.
• Identify authentic geometric patterns consistent with early 20th-century Navajo design evolution from simple stripes.
• Check for side-selvage cords and lazy lines, which are characteristic of traditional Navajo loom techniques.

History of Navajo Double Saddle Blanket

Navajo weaving is a highly respected art form that dates back to the 17th century when the Navajo people learned to weave from the Pueblo peoples. Originally, these weavings were utilitarian, serving as blankets, clothing, and saddle blankets for personal use and trade. The designs evolved from simple stripes to complex geometric patterns, often imbued with cultural significance. Early Navajo blankets were highly prized by other Native American tribes and later by American settlers and collectors. The double saddle blanket, specifically, was designed to be folded over a horse's back, offering both comfort for the animal and a display of the rider's wealth and status.