Two Navajo "Eye-Dazzler" Blankets

Serape Style Blanket, c. 1870
Navajo people; New Mexico and Arizona
Wool and dye; 60 x 62 in.
5504 These blankets are bursting with color and expressionistic designs. Contrasting colors and multi-directional patterns create intense movement and vibration for the eye's amusement. In large part it is the repeating diamond motif that allows for such optical expressions. It is easy to see why some have compared these types of blankets to jazz compositions and why early traders named them "Eye-Dazzlers." Navajo weavers began creating these types of compositions in the late 1870's using synthetically dyed wools and yarns. By the 1880's Navajo weaving was seen by traders as a valuable commodity and characteristics such as the size and visual components became influenced by those who traded in Native-made objects. "Eye-Dazzler" Blanket
Navajo
35 in. x 51 in.
5503 According to our records both of these blankets belonged "to an Indian who went to Washington D.C. to visit Theodore Roosevelt during his administration. Having purchased 'store clothes' he left these blankets at the office of the Indian Commissioner William A. Jones." Undoubtedly there are many details left out of this story including the name of the weaver(s) of the blankets and the identity and purpose of the man that carried them to the Capitol. The arrival of the blankets in Washington must by between 1901 and 1905 when the presidential and commissioner’s terms of office overlapped. As Commissioner of Indian Affairs at the turn of the century, Jones was responsible for overseeing all affairs and matters relating to Indians and monitored agents on the reservations who were responsible for schooling, justice, property issues and distribution of supplies. During his office Jones collected over 400 photographs of Native Americans being educated in schools, receiving vocational training and at work. This said, the language of our museum records reiterate the transition of Native assimilation into American culture during this era. Correspondence has been made with the Wisconsin Historical Society who holds the diaries and photographs of Jones in hopes of linking further historical information to the blankets in the collection. All text and images under copyright. Please contact Collection Department for permission to use. Information subject to change with additional research.