124: UNUSUAL NAVAJO GERMANTOWN WEAVING IN POOR CONDITION

The striking and somewhat pictorial weaving of multiple techniques and motifs is executed in twelve colors of Germantown yarn to create brilliant floating diamonds on an unusual 'salt and pepper' field woven from Partridge yarn. 'Partridge' yarn as it was marketed by Marshall Field and Company at the turn of the last century was a four-ply yarn created by spotting yarn of a certain color with bits of lighter dye interspersed along their length. This and the colorful Germantown yarns were provided to Navajo women for use in weaving their rugs, though the Partridge yarn is rarely seen.
Measures 56.5 x 44 inches.
This weaving is offered AS FOUND in fair to poor condition with one minor area of dry mud from a potter wasp's nest, numerous holes, areas worn through from foot traffic, stain and complete loss of the fringe that would have disguised the weaver's warp ends. The weaving remains colorful and sturdy without dry rot.

See the last image for a view of this piece backlit by sunlight.
Provenance: A private inherited collection originating 40-plus years ago in Nebraska.
$300 - $600