Improving the Rolled Storage of Native American Textiles

FAIN: PG-50945-10

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Inc. (Indianapolis, IN 46204-2707)
Amy McKune (Project Director: May 2009 to October 2011)

Funding supports the purchase of storage furniture to rehouse oversized flat textiles, primarily Navajo blankets and other weavings. The collection is used in the museum's artist-in-residence program, in academic studies, and in exhibitions and educational programming.

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art has an important collection of Native American objects related to native cultures of North America. Within this collection is approximately 80 textiles, primarily Navajo weavings, including a classic third-phase Navajo chief's blanket and a child's wearing blanket, dated 1870-1875. This project continues the museum's ongoing efforts to upgrade individual storage of Native American textiles following the recommendations of a 2003 CAP survey performed by Laurie Booth of Midwest Conservation Services. Currently there is insufficient rolled textile storage, which is compromising the care of these important objects. NEH funds will support the purchase of a Montel rolled textile rack to re-house Native American oversized flat textiles.