Eye Dazzlers

Being multi-racial (I’m of Black, Native American and Eastern European decent) it’s no wonder that I’m especially drawn to art and objects that are the direct result of a convergence of cultures. These ‘Eye Dazzlers’ are a perfect (and stunning!) example.
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For those interested in some history:

After years of warfare, the Navajo people were defeated by the United States in 1864 and force-marched into exile at Bosque Redondo in eastern New Mexico, where they remained until 1868…Blankets and rugs from the late transitional period were woven in a wide variety of brilliant-colored yarns from commercial mills in Germantown, Pennsylvania. Because Germantown yarns were more uniform in diameter than handspun yarns, their use made possible a more evenly battened weft and thus a style of finely woven textiles with complex arrangements of small serrated zigzag patterns. The blankets made from these yarns became known as “eye-dazzlers” because of the visually stunning combinations of bright colors and explosive patterns. This innovation is considered uniquely Navajo, an example of experimentation with newly introduced materials.  ~Lowe Art Museum

1. JAMIE SAYS DREAM says:

   July 28, 2012 at 7:34 am

   There’s been a lot of Navajo around, so it was very interesting to get this background! And your example of Eye Dazzlers are truly stunning!

   Reply