Pendleton Santa Fe Saxony Wool Blanket

Pendleton Santa Fe Saxony Blanket design
This intricate geometric design references a step in the evolution of Navajo weaving. The opening of the Santa Fe Trail in 1821 brought about many changes from the Classical period. By the 1860s new weaving techniques and available yarns contributed to more elaborate designs. Fine, 3-ply merino yarns from Saxony, Germany, were among those that were imported and began to supplement the natural fleece-colored yarns commonly seen. New yarns made possible exciting variations in colors and sophisticated patterns as seen in this blanket's elaborate terraced meanders, chevrons, zigzags, stepped diamonds and Spider Woman crosses.