Posted 9 years ago
hwright
(1 item)
This blanket was in my husband's New York family from no later than the mid 1900s. It is about 3.5 by about 5.5 feet. Does anyone have an idea whether this is Navajo or not? Do our knowledge, the family never traveled to the Southwest--perhaps it was brought as a gift, or sold somewhere on the east coast, or maybe its from a New York tribe? I'd love any ideas. Thanks!
It isn't Navajo or Native American. No Native American tribe makes blankets. The Navajo are the only ones who make rugs, but they haven't made blankets since the 1800's. The way the edges are bound indicate that this was not made on an upright loom, and therefore is not Native American.
It appears to be a camp blanket, made by one of the major manufacturers, Beacon or Esmond Mills.
hwright,
Mr./Ms. Road is without a doubt correct about it not being Navajo made...nor likely Native American. In regard to the claim, "No Native American tribe makes blankets." I'll let a few sleeping sheep lie and address but one aspect of this claim which falls into somewhat of a gray area.
There were 2 tribes which manufactured blankets for and under the direction of Pendleton Woolen Mills: the Cayuse and the Blackfeet, each producing a separate line of Pendleton blankets slightly different in construction from the primary Pendleton line, as well as from the Beaver State line. Whether this fact is worthy of a semantics debate....well...we'll cross that Road when he/she gets here. (I reckon we could also be bound for some rabblery ensuing in regards to the uprightness of another debatable claim looming about.)
I'm gonna pose some contention to the "camp blanket"ness and postulate the likelihood of it having trade blanket heritage. Through the mist, it appears this blanket is 100% wool with a felt binding. Now in hopes of definition for the blanket,....the pic could use some as well. I'll forego further dissention, until such enlighteners develop. If however, you notice that in any corner, on either side you notice what could be remnants of a label, do be sure to include a lovely pic or two of such.