Navajo 1870 Pendleton blanket
The design of this this Navajo 1870 blanket is a wonderful example of the late Classic Period of Navajo or Diné weavings. It incorporates Spider Woman crosses in the design. The variation in the red coloor comes from red trade cloth that weavers unraveled and re-spun. Other colours are hand-spun grey and white wool and vegetal and indigo dyed yarns.
Preservation Series
The designs in the preservation series are inspired by historic weavings from across the Americas. Pendleton designers work with museum curators and private collectors to select noteworthy work, establish provenance, and attribute historical textiles to the original weavers when possible. The descriptions below are from curator notes and refer to the original weavings. Each blanket generates a donation to Native American arts, education and health
• 64″ x 80″
• Un-napped, felt bound
• Pure virgin wool/cotton
• Fabric woven in Pendleton Woolen mills
• Dry clean
• Made in USA
Pendleton Blankets, Robes and Shawls
Pendleton blankets are the highest quality and most beautiful wool blankets. Pendleton Woolen Mills weave the symbols and stories of Native America into fabulous woollen masterpieces. These blankets, ‘robes’ and shawls have become traditional honouring gifts for Native Peoples. Rights of passage such as births, coming of age, graduation, marriage, major milestones and accomplishments are all marked with the giving of a blanket. Not only are ‘Pendletons’ used daily in the home but they are also worn for ceremonies, celebrations and feast days.
The role of the blanket is woven deep in the history of Native Americans. For centuries it has been used for warmth, as a medium of exchange, for artistic expression and as an important element of ceremonies and recognition.
In 1909 Pendleton Woolen Mills began weaving what became known as Indian Trade Blankets on its new jacquard looms. Their brilliant colours and sharp details were in great demand. Pendleton weavers and designers worked with their Native American customers to develop colour and design preferences. Today, that tradition of complimentary creation lives on in Pendleton Indian Robes and Shawls, still woven from the finest fleece wool, meant to be used and cherished from generation to generation.
