Language of the Robe: American Indian Trade Blankets - Hardcover

Kapoun, Robert

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1423600169 ISBN 13: 9781423600169

Publisher: Gibbs M. Smith Inc, 2006

Synopsis

From the history of the trade blanket to contemporary collectible blankets to designs of the major trade blanket manufacturers such as Pendleton Woolen Mills, Racine Woolen Mills, and Buell Manufacturing Company, Language of the Robe presents the bright colors and intricately woven patterns hallmark to American Indian trade blankets.

About this title

From the Back Cover

For all Native American cultures, from the Plains and Southwest people to the tribes of the Northwest Coast, the blanket makes a visual statement of "Indianness." Language of the Robe explains a living tradition among the Native American people. Today, trade blankets are collectibles, especially those that were made prior to World War II. Language of the Robe identifies, classifies, and presents the history of the trade blanket.Within the tribe or pueblo, the blanket is a statement of an individual's bond to the older, traditional ways, to roots that run deep. As a gift, the blanket is an important acknowledgement of friendship, gratitude and respect.Bright colors and intricately woven patterns are the hallmarks of the American Indian trade blankets. Even though the blankets were commercially produced by companies such as the famous Pendleton Woolen Mills, they were embraced by Native American peoples across the country and became an integral part of their culture and ceremonies.Robert W. Kapoun and his wife, Marianne, collect and document trade blankets. Bob has lectured extensively on the subject and has curated a traveling exhibition. He and his family live in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and are owner of The Rainbow Man.Charles J. Lohrmann was founding editor of Four Winds magazine, a journal of Native American art, culture and history. He is a freelance writer who lives in Austin, Texas.

Synopsis

Over the many generations since Native Americans began trade with Europeans, few items have become so closely identified with the indigenous American cultures as has the American Indian trade blanket. From the history of the trade blanket to contemporary collectible blankets to designs of the major trade blanket manufacturers such as Pendleton Woolen Mills, Racine Woolen Mills, and Buell Manufacturing Company, "Language of the Robe" presents the bright colors and intricately woven patterns hallmark to American Indian trade blankets. Beautifully illustrated with over 370 photographs, this handsome volume explains how the blanket is an important acknowledgment of friendship, gratitude and respect.

Edition details

• Publisher: Gibbs M. Smith Inc
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1423600169
• ISBN 13: 9781423600169
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 179