Navajo Saddle Blankets: Textiles to Ride in the American Southwest: Textiles to Ride in the American Southwest Paperback – February 13, 2004

Horses are the most wonderful animal that God invented, and I think that the Navajo people must know this, because the saddle blankets that they create for their horses are spectacularly the best ever. I have them all around me, on my walls, floors and on my furniture, especially the vintage double saddle blankets. This book tells you where this artform came from, why the blankets are cherished by all who love horses (like the old-West American cowboy), and why even people who've never sat a horse still treasure them.

A book of many authors, lots of great info. Mixing the voices of different authors on a single subject leaves a slightly jumbled message but the details are excellent. An expanded volume by the eminent Lane Coulter would be most welcome!

It's a magical book. Love it.

Great variety of weaving techniques shown. I still haven't read much of the text, but the photos are useful for selecting weaving techniques to try.

Even if you have read the many other books on Navajo weaving, don't miss this one. Saddle blankets have their own history somewhat different from the blankets and rugs. This excellent set of very readable articles by scholars of this topic is especially strong. There are great old photos of saddle blankets in use not just on cowboy and rodeo horses, but also as decorations in early dude ranches. The many photos of saddle blankets are large enough to see details and the quality of paper and print is excellent. The explanations of the weaving styles and designs are very helpful, as are the bibliographies with each article. The saddle blankets pictured go from the earliest, up to the time this book was published in 2002.