The Chief Blanket: Hanolochade or Hon-el-chod-di (Old chief, in J.B. Moore's 1903 catalog). It was designed to be worn, to drape regally, and to move gracefully. When displayed flat, it appears somewhat static; but wrapped around the human body it flows elegantly, and as the body moves, the design becomes as kinetic as a mobile sculpture. Historically, from earliest times textile weaving in the Southwest has utilized the fibers of the agave and native cotton. Coronado brought sheep into New Mexico, in 1540 but all were killed. In 1598 Juan de Onate brought in the first Merino sheep. Also, historically, the term "Chief Blanket" is a misnomer, for the blanket was never intended to designate the rank of its wearer; nor was it worn only by men - a distinctive woman's blanket, bil lagai with narrow stripes of red and white, was also produced. The Chief Blanket, beautifully woven of select materials, was expensive and so, became a mark of the rich and successful. In historic 'pony times', it was widely worn by the Southwestern tribes and was traded extensively, especially to the buffalo hunting tribes of the Plains and throughout the intermountain west where it often took the place of the painted, porcupine quilled, and beaded buffalo robes.

1911 John B. Moore - Crystal Trading Post - 60"x90" - NFS
In 1897 J. B. Moore bought the Trading Post at Washington Pass in the Chuska Mountains of New Mexico and renamed it Crystal for the clear spring that flowed nearby. He is often recognized for his contribution in elevating the textile Art to its proper status. This was basically accomplished by a fledging set of catalogs. They promoted not only the excellent quality, original designs but, for the first time, individual Navajo Artists. Two of which utilized the whirling log motif in many examples of their work; Bileen Alpi Bizhaahd and Hasteen Yaz-zhie be Eh-son.