Eva Gorline Navajo Third Phase Chief Style Textile

This Navajo textile was woven by Diné of the Navajo Nation artist Eva Gorline in the mid-1950s according to the current owner. It is in the style of a Third Phase Chief blanket of the nineteenth century. This style is sometimes referred to as a nine-spot pattern, so designated because of the nine red triangles in the design.

The classic First Phase Navajo blankets often consisted of black and white bands with a wide band of indigo in the center. Second Phase blankets added bands of red yarn, typically at each end and in the center of the textile. Third Phase blankets appeared with the red triangles, as in this textile.

This weaving has gray yarn at the ends, and at the center, substituting for the red of the 19th century textiles. The black rows replace the indigo ones of the older blankets.

Warp and Weft: "All twill weaves are produced by floating the weft elements over more than one warp at a time to create a raised pattern of color and texture. Three twill-weave techniques were used by both Navajo and Pueblo weavers: plain twill forming diagonal floats; herringbone twill, in which the diagonal floats alternate direction to form a vertical zigzag or chevron pattern; and a diamond twill, in which the herringbone patterns are woven in such a manner as to create concentric diamond patterns." Kaufman and Selser, 1985:138

Condition: This textile, approximately 65 years old, is in excellent condition because it has only been displayed by hanging, never used on the floor. The previous owner stitched a strip of Velcro on the back to facilitate hanging the rug. The Velcro is still attached. It could be removed if desired.

Provenance: this Eva Gorline Navajo Third Phase Chief Style Textile is from an estate in California

Recommended Reading: The Navajo Weaving Tradition 1650 to the Present by Kaufman and Selser

TAGS: Diné of the Navajo Nation, Navajo Textiles, Eva Gorline