The Hourglass Collection

The Hourglass Collection

Genuine Native American Navajo Tribe Blanket, early 20th Century.  2.4m by 1.4m, 95" by 54".  3.3kg/7.25lbs.
With Yei/Yebichai (Yei Bi Chei) design.


ITEM DESCRIPTION

This woollen hand woven blanket comes from the South West of America,  There are 57 tribes in this area, and of these, the tribe that wove this blanket would have been the Navajo tribe.

The blanket design depicts 12 Yebichai (Yei Bi Chei) dancers.  The Yeii, or Yei, are spirit deities of the Navajo nation.  The most benevolent of the Yeii are associated with the forces of nature.

The blanket uses geometric patterns in black, red and white, with white and grey detailing around the sides and a proper border.  The Yei/Yeibichi design is very well done, with proper edged borders typical of a genuine Navajo weaving.  The Yei's are highly artistic, formed figures, with extended bodies, short and straight legs and heads facing outwards.  Yebichai's are human in proportion, with faces looking sideways and legs bent as if in a dancing motion.  The composition of this blanket indicates an early design.

This blanket is double sided, from the early to mid 1900's.  It measures 2.4 x 1.4m, 95" by 54", and weighs an impressive 3.3kg, around 7.25 lbs.  This blanket may also have been used as a wall hanging, or clothing by an important member of the tribe, or a large decorative rug.  The average weaver takes anywhere from 2 months to many years to finish a single weaving. The size greatly determines the amount of time spent to complete the work.  Therefore this blanket would have taken a considerable time to complete due to it's large size.

The picture in the eBay photographs for this item is taken from the book "The Native Americans" by Chrysalis.  It shows a number of Navajo items exemplifying the culture.  It depicts various rugs and blankets that have the same style and design as this blanket.  The picture of the two Navajo tribesmen is by Witter Bynner, courtesy of Museum of New Mexico, via “Language of the Robe” depicting Patricio Calabaza, left, wearing a Navajo blanket, circa 1930.

The current owner has had the blanket for over 30 years.  He purchased the blanket from a well-known collector in America who had a large selection of Native American artifacts and worked as an adviser to Pennsylvania University and Museum.  Yei/Yebichai blankets are highly collectable and this is an excellent opportunity to own an exquisite example with excellent provenance. 

If you have any questions on this item, please feel free to contact us through eBay where we will be more than pleased to answer any question you may have.

This blanket will be properly packaged and insured to ensure delivery in the same condition as when it was shipped.  

Please contact us before purchase so we may quote a shipping rate, as this will depend on the delivery postcode and international rates.  We are required to do this due to the value and uniqueness of the blanket.

SUMMARY

  • Description: 12 Yebichai dancers.  Colours: Red, black, white, and grey
  • Rug Size: 2.4m x 1.4m, 95" x 54".  Approximate thickness is 1cm or 1/2 inch
  • From visual inspection - Warp: 11 per inch.  Weft: 6 per inch.  Warp & weft is consistent across the whole weaving.  Some errors are apparent due to the handmade nature of the blanket and the length of time needed to finish the weave
  • Weight: 3.3kg or 7.25 lbs
  • Condition: Excellent, with some light staining.  Please see the photographs for full details
  • Age: 1900 to 1950
  • Weaver: Unknown
  • Other details: Very nicely woven.  Double sided.  Thick and properly edged

SHIPPING

All items will be sent out using Royal Mail Special Delivery within 48 hours of purchase.  For International Shipping, please contact us for a quotation unless we have specified a shipping cost in the item description.  Due to the value of certain items, we may also include insurance to cover the purchase price.  Our deliveries will require a signature upon receipt.  We are happy to ship this item Worldwide.

PAYMENT

We accept PayPal for all purchases.  Other payment options may be available if PayPal is unsuitable for you.  Please contact us if this is an issue.

RETURNS

If you are not happy with your item please return in the original packaging and with all tags attached within 30 days.  Goods must be returned carriage paid.  Refund of purchase price will be refunded by the same method as the payment was made.  Postage and packaging will not be refunded.  If your item is faulty or we have sent you something different to what you ordered, again please return it to us within 30 days and we will give you a full refund or replacement, including postage and packaging.  We aim to ensure you are 100% satisfied with your transaction with The Hourglass Collection.

CONTACT

Please contact us via eBay if you have any queries, use the link under "Seller Information" at the top of this page.  We are always happy to answer any questions you may have about our items for sale.  Visit us at 2 Broad Street, Hay on Wye. Powys. HR3 5DB.  Open from 11am until 4am, 7 days a week, all year round.