Language of the Robe: American Indian trade blankets

by Robert W. Kapoun, Charles J. Lohrmann

8 1/2 X 11 In, 192 Pp, 250 Full-Color Photographs, 65 Duotones. For All American Indian Cultures, From The Plains and Southwest People To The Tribes of The Norhtwest Coast, The Blanket Makes A Visual Statement of "Indianness. " Language of The Robe Explains A Living Tradition Among The Indian People. As A Gift, The Blanket Is An Important Acknowledgement of Friendship, Gratitude and Respect. Bright Colors and Intricately Woven Patterns Are The Hallmark of The American Indian Trade Blankets. Even Though The Blankets Were Commercially Produced By Companies Such As Pendleton Woolen Mills, They Were Embraced By Native American Peoples Across The Country and Became An Integral Part of Their Culture and Ceremonies. Today, Trade Blankets Are Collectibles, Especailly Those Made Before Ww2

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Art

192 pages, Paperback

First published November 18, 1992

Reviews

[Ambur Taft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting information & awesome pictures. Not only the history of American Indian trade blankets, but also many historical photos of different tribes and their actual language of blanket wearing.
Brought about thoughts on how we start a baby with a blanket that they may carry around through the toddler years and then we take it away, whereas these people carried their blankets through life, as part of wardrobe during the day and sleeping with them at night...and eventually wrapped in them at death.
A bit disturbing on the takeover of production of said blankets by rich white men, some overseas and shipped back to North America, but all very interesting.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous coffeetable book of American Indian trade blankets, mainly from the early 1900s. I didn't even know people collected these but I can see why they do. Beautiful patterns, colors, and there are also many vintage photos of native Americans wearing these blankets.