Protected in Bliss

Matilda Damon, Protected in Bliss, 1991, handspun wool with native and vegetable dyes, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1997.124.186
Matilda Damon, Protected in Bliss, 1991, handspun wool with native and vegetable dyes, 24 1823 14 in. (61.259.0 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1997.124.186

Artwork Details

Title
Protected in Bliss
Date
1991
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
24 1823 14 in. (61.259.0 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson
Mediums
Mediums Description
handspun wool with native and vegetable dyes
Classifications
Subjects
  • Figure group — bust
  • Indian — Navajo
  • Animal — bird
Object Number
1997.124.186

Artwork Description

Matilda wanted to explode what was expected of a traditional rug weaver. She wanted to open doors of creativity.
--Shaundina Watson, eldest daughter of Damon

Protected in Bliss is a round rug depicting an eagle protecting a Diné (Navajo) couple. The artist learned to weave from her mother, Mary Ann Damon, whose sought-after rug designs supported the family. Mary Ann taught Matilda all the skills involved with weaving, many of which began long before they sat down at the loom: Matilda cared for a flock of sheep, then sheered, cleaned, spun, and dyed the wool, and gathered plants for the dyes. Mary Ann also encouraged Matilda to find her own artistic voice, and the artist distinguished herself with the rounded form and pictorial designs. In turn, Matilda devoted summers to sharing her knowledge with her young children, whether by teaching them to read or weave rugs. From start to finish, this artwork carries the joy and love of family.

Works by this artist (1 item)

Matilda Damon, Protected in Bliss, 1991, handspun wool with native and vegetable dyes, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1997.124.186
Protected in Bliss
Date1991
handspun wool with native and vegetable dyes
Not on view

Exhibitions

Media - 2019.15 - SAAM-2019.15_1 - 137377
Subversive, Skilled, Sublime: Fiber Art by Women
May 31, 2024January 5, 2025
The artists in Subversive, Skilled, Sublime: Fiber Art by Women mastered and subverted the everyday materials of cotton, felt, and wool to create deeply personal artworks.

More Artworks from the Collection

Mariska Karasz, Wall Shadows (Diptych), ca. 1955, embroidered wool, linen, and cotton, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Solveig Cox and Rosamond Berg Bassett in memory of their mother, Mariska Karasz, 1991.132.3A-B
Wall Shadows (Diptych)
Dateca. 1955
embroidered wool, linen, and cotton
Not on view
Nancy Kozikowski, Reverse Target Blue, 1991, hand woven and hand dyed wool, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Jessica and Frank Sands in honor of weavers throughout the ages, 2001.53
Reverse Target Blue
Date1991
hand woven and hand dyed wool
Not on view
Fannie Pete, Pig, ca. 1987, handspun wool with native and vegetable dyes, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1997.124.190
Pig
Dateca. 1987
handspun wool with native and vegetable dyes
Not on view
Susan L. Iverson, Ancient Burial IV--Night, 1989, wool on linen warp, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Ellen Jane and Rogers Hollingsworth, 2003.23A-C
Ancient Burial IV – Night
Date1989
wool on linen warp
Not on view