Frazada, Blanket

Date1840-1850

MediumWool (animal fiber)

Dimensions88 × 50 in. (223.5 × 127 cm)

ClassificationsTextile, Fiber Arts, & Beadwork

Credit LineAlbuquerque Museum, museum purchase, 1983 General Obligation Bonds

Object numberPC1984.25.15

DescriptionRio Grande blanket with ikat-dyed fibers, Classic Period. Central diamond with 2 flanking sets of stripes and woven with levftover ikat-dyed fibers visible in the subtle horizontal stripes. Very high weft count.
In addition to designing and placing a stunning set of Saltillo-style motifs, the weaver intentionally added leftover ikat-dyed weft yarns into each half of the weaving. Ikat is a process of resist-dyeing warps and wefts in a predetermined pattern to create a specific design. Here the fibers are used randomly, adding interest to an already beautiful design field.
The weaver also used two different shades of indigo blue to make the pattern more complex. Although women were strong enough to work the loom, the high weft count suggests that an adult man might have woven this piece.

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