Saddle Blankets & Horsegear

Weavers of the Late Classic and, more especially, Transition and Rug periods produced an interesting array of saddle blankets and similar pieces that were sold for use as small rugs. Single saddle blankets usually measure roughly thirty inches square; double saddle blankets, meant to be folded in half, are about thirty by sixty inches. Some small blankets were used on top of the saddle as a decorative cover; other larger or double ones were used underneath as padding as well as a colorful edging. Fringes and corner tassels added to their decorative quality on the horse’s back.

Navajo weavers favored twill weave to create saddle blankets, maybe because it is stronger and thicker, but also perhaps because of the rich diagonal and diamond patterning that this structure creates. These blankets continued in native use long after handwoven garments became obsolete and at the same time became a popular buyer's item for ranch and home use.

In addition to saddle blankets, saddle cinches were handwoven for use in securing the saddle under the horse’s belly. Cinches were usually woven directly onto heavy metal rings, often in twill tapestry weave. Other than a few narrow sash belts, they are the only Navajo handwoven textile that contains hand-plied yarns (usually 2zS) in both the warp and weft yarns.