With a concentration on the Navahos, and occasional discussion of the blankets of other southwestern tribes, James examines in details the history and production of Indian blankets: the introduction of the loom and wool, the early history, the bayeta blanket made from yarn unravelled from blankets made in England,old style native wool blankets, the song of blessing the blanket, deterioration and improvements brought about by traders, dyeing with native and aniline dyes, the significance and symbolism of colour, the origin and symbolism of design. the finest blankets of all types as a well as the process of blanket weaving.
As a native art carrier to great heights and achieving both social and economic importance, navaho blankets have long been an area of important and interesting study in the arts and Indian life. For gathering together such a wide body of solid and useful information, this book will long be required reading for the collector.
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