Origin of Saddle Blanket

Is this Mexican or Native American?

 

it is a Mexican weaving, attempting to be mistaken for an Indian weaving from a Native American tribe. Here's how to tell:

The Navajo are the only Native American tribe that regularly makes Indian weaving for sale. While a tribal member from another tribe may occasionally make a textile, and offer it for sale, the few tribes that do, make entirely different designs, and use different looms and weaving techniques.

The Navajo use a unique loom, which makes it impossible to weave fringe on both ends. And they never hem, or bind off, their textiles. Nor do they use this twisted corner cord, and, if you carefully separate the outside warp, you will find it made up of three or more yarn warps. unlike on a Navajo weaving.

All these are commonly used on Mexican copies of Navajo rugs. The designs may be similar, (or copied), but it's the way it is woven, that determines if it is Navajo.

 

The size of the rug is not given, but it looks way too small to be considered a "saddle blanket."

They come in basically two sizes/types, depending on the size of the horse it's to be used on: a "single," which is square, roughly 30-33" on a side; or a "double," a rectangle-shape used folded in half, which is in the 60-66" range.

 

Taupou, roughly 27" x 23" . As always thanks for your expertise!

 

Taupou, are these worth selling at all? (if I have it dry cleaned)

 

The shrinking can't be reversed, so that's the big issue. Plus it's a Mexican copy of a Navajo Gallup Throw rug, (which has fringe on one end only), and which marked the "low" point of Navajo weaving.

You might try checking what Mexican rugs of similar size and condition are selling for. Someone may want it, but it probably might not be worth it for your time and trouble.
It might just be best to chalk it up to "educational advice!" (Or donate it to a local thrift shop.)