Wyeth Trail Pendleton Blanket
In the Iroquois legend of the Three Sisters, beans, squash and corn grow together, thriving through the Native American practice of companion planting. Today, pure strains of Native crops are hard to come by. Seed Saver banks in Decorah, Iowa, and Tucson, Arizona, store precious seeds from long-ago plants. In the harmonious colours of ancient corn varieties, a balanced pattern of rows echoes the ancient gardens, with arrows pointing in two directions, towards the past and the future. Unnapped.
This blanket is reversible giving a different colour emphasis.
- 64″ x 80″
- Unnapped; fabric is uncombed for sharper pattern definition
- Felt bound
- Pure virgin wool/cotton
- Fabric woven in Pendelton’s American mills
- Dry clean
- Made in USA
BLANKET ROBES These blankets are robe size, the size preferred by Native Americans for ceremonial purposes and wrapping about oneself as a robe. They are impressive as wall hangings and practical when folded on a sofa or at the foot of a bed. Felt bound unless otherwise noted. 82% pure virgin wool/18% cotton. Dry clean. Made in the USA. 64 ̋ x 80 ̋ (163 x 203 cm)
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.
Pendleton Woollen 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.
