Navajo Dress Panels

Example of identical dress panels (Biil). Biils were often belted together with either a concho belt or sash and adorned with a necklace.

Navajo Dress Panels or as the Navajo call it a Biil. Standard clothing for Navajo women before the Long Walk. This dress consisted of 2 rug panels made of churro wool or Raveled Bayeta and expertly woven by Navajo weavers. Then stitched together to form a rug dress with openings available for the head and arms. Each rug panel could take anywhere from 2 weeks to several months to complete, depending on size and design.

Few pieces survive and they are usually in museum vaults.

Our Dress Panels are in spectacular condition. Very special and rare opportunity to own an incredible piece of history!