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Women's Acoma Cape or Dress

ca. 1850
Not on view
Worn during dance ceremonies, this elaborate garment features embroidered abstract representations of birds, butterflies, and rain clouds with cochineal-dyed red and indigo-dyed blue yarn. The weaver’s skill is evident in the contrast between the more traditional geometric border style and the more fluid, natural style of the blossoms in the center medallion. The diamond motif originally comes from Mexico and was appropriated by Pueblo and Navajo weavers in the nineteenth century, following the US annexation of northern Mexico.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Women's Acoma Cape or Dress
  • Date: ca. 1850
  • Geography: Made in New Mexico, United States
  • Culture: Acoma, Native American
  • Medium: Handspun undyed and indigo-dyed Churro fleece and cochineal-dyed raveled bayeta
  • Dimensions: H. 48 × W. 58 in. (121.9 × 147.3 cm)
  • Credit Line: The Charles and Valerie Diker Collection of Native American Art, Gift of Charles and Valerie Diker, 2023
  • Object Number: 2023.646.2
  • Rights and Reproduction: Image © Nelson-Atkins
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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