Native American TRADE BLANKETS

Native American TRADE BLANKETS


The outward expansion of European settlers introduced valuable new items to Native American life, including wool blankets.
The tighter weaves of the European blankets meant heavier, warmer
blankets than those being produced by Native Americans at the time.
Local tribes would trade precious stones and silver with the settlers
in exchange for these “trade blankets.” Eventually, the western tribes
leaned how to produce these higher quality blankets on their own and
incorporated their unique design patterns into the weavings.
When contemplating the purchase of a trade blanket, the buyer is offered three basic choices:
A traditional blanked made with hand spun yarn and natural pigments.
A traditionally styled blanked made with hand spun yarns and commercial dyes, using modern tools for a tighter, cleaner finish.
Traditionally styled blankets made with machined yarns and mass-produced manufacturing techniques.
Traditional blankets made with hand spun yarns, natural pigments and
traditional tools, are cruder in appearance and design than
contemporary weavings or commercially made replicas.
Trade blankets made with modern materials but using traditional
techniques, such as the use of hand spun yarn, are preferable from a
collection standpoint versus commercially manufactured pieces.
While contemporary tools and techniques allow for a better-finished
product over hand spinning yarn, there is a still a traditional look
and feel as compared to manufactured textiles.
Contemporary pieces may also appear bolder in color if the artist
chooses to use modern dying techniques over conventional. These pieces
also tend to have more balanced design layout and tighter finish on the
edges.




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Being Indian its not,
Just the "Blood"....Its "Living the way"......
{Karenshadowdancer}