This rug is an example of the beautiful geometric design, colors and skill of the Navajo weaver. Rugs and blankets like these have been prized by Europeans for many decades, especially in the late 1880’s. The market created by Europeans has helped sustain artisans as well as introduced new materials and techniques to their traditions. Duffie Westhelmer writes about displaying rugs, similar to this one, in his article about the “Annual MNA Indian Art Exhibitions” (Expedition Magazine Vol 36 No.1).
Penn Museum Object #39-8-33.
See this and other objects like it on Penn Museum’s Online Collection Database.