Saddle Blanket

ClassificationsTextiles-blankets

Culture Navajo

Datec. 1920

MediumWool

Dimensions32 1/2 × 60 1/2 in. (82.6 × 153.7 cm)

Credit LineGift of Dennis J. Aigner

Object number2014.10.5

DescriptionDouble saddle blankets were originally created to serve a functional purpose. These blankets were folded in half and placed beneath a horse’s saddle. This kept saddles from moving around and kept moisture off of a horse’s back. Prior to the use of these blankets, animal skins with hair left on them were used as pads. This proved inefficient as additional pads were needed and sometimes the skins would roll, bunch or move under the saddle. This blanket is referred to as a double saddle blanket due to its size. A singe saddle blanket is typically about 30 inches square while double saddle blankets measure approximately 30 by 60 inches. Saddle blankets were originally made by and for the Navajo. However, as other woven Navajo goods grew in popularity with non-Native peoples, saddle blankets were sold by traders for ranch and home use.

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