This striking example of a third phase Navajo textile is woven with a desirable combination of cochineal dyed yarns, the majority being 3-ply English tapestry yarn, and raveled “bayeta" visible in the horizontal bands between the lozenge devices. Minor quantities of early aniline 3-ply yarns complete the reds utilized in this unique example. Saltillo influences can be seen in the serrated concentric diamonds within the lozenge devices, further enlivening an otherwise classic third phase example. The high incidence of earlier cochineal yarns suggest a weaving date in the latter 1860s to early 1870s .

Red sarapes were the Navajo man’s choice of outerwear. The Navajo tribe was the largest, most powerful tribe in the greater Southwest, and the most vibrant power color; red was emblematic of Navajo culture. Red was also the most expensive, difficult color to obtain, so it was an exception to see it lavishly utilized in the 19th century. Woven with earlier cochineal plied yarns in the design devices, and hand spun aniline dyed red yarn in the field, this example employs a common Navajo practice of sourcing numerous reds to complete the overall design. Indigo, vegetal green yarns along with another commercial purple tapestry yarn round out a vibrant statement of power that had long characterized the Navajo warrior in the 19th century.