Design is fret designs in indigo, red, black and white. Good condition. In 1880-1881 the Santa Fe Railroad was extended through Navajo territory, bringing new materials and new customers for Navajo weavings. As soon as commercial four-ply yarns and aniline (chemical) dyes became available, Navajo weavers employed them to their full potential. Designs changed from simple stripes and conservative diamond patterns to an explosion of innovation in weaving, with new colors not available with natural dyes such as yellow, orange, green, and purple.

Henry L. Batterman Fund and the Frank Sherman Benson Fund

Henry L. Batterman Fund and the Frank Sherman Benson Fund

This bag has some cotton fiber in it. Reviewed by Winnebago weaver Martha Gradolf, 5/3/05,

This work bag has different geometric designs on each side-the bag is the smaller one in front. in the photo.

Brooklyn Museum Collection

Brooklyn Museum Collection

Long bodice (collar) of dentalium shell is a pre-style form of decoration because these shells were hard to obtain. The Sioux would have traded for them. This would be for a special woman and handed down in families. The very heavy dress does not look reworked and was worn very little and probably only used for special occasions. Blue wool trade cloth, red, white, blue ribbons might indicate July 4th reference. A slit is at the back of the dress and the basic pattern is T-shaped. Four-direction designs on the bottom would be prestige decoration and the little flowers along the bottom are unusual, odd. The bells are different colors. The body of the dress is machine sewn.

Brooklyn Museum Collection

Charles Stewart Smith Memorial Fund