Native American Blankets Are In More Popularity

From the time Native Americans began weaving with wool

, the designs, colors, sizes, shapes and textures of their blankets have been in a constant state of evolution. This is something that makes them so desirable to collectors they change very quickly and become historically significant or datable, equally quickly.

The importance of the blanket in native Indian culture cannot be over-estimated. Long before the advent of white settlers, they were used in exchange for other goods. Blankets were given to celebrate births and marriages, to show status, as a shelter, clothing, and bed, to wrap babies or to cover the dead. Early Navajo weavings are of remarkably high quality. Wool was smooth and silky and the weaver employed a high degree of skill and effort in cleaning, carding, combing, spinning and dying. Such is the popularity for Native American goods that these pieces rarely come on the market and when they do they fetch from $2000 $5000 at auction.

The use of blankets in American history dates back Native American time before the settlement of the white man. Native Americans used blankets made from animal pelts, usually fox, wolf or buffalo. Some blankets were woven from thin strips of fiber, bird or rabbit skins. Over time wool, sourced from Europe, and the work of the native artist these woven blankets became more colorful and decorative. The artists would try and capture the spirit of the legends and their beliefs in the weaving of the blankets.

You will still find the blankets now which have the tradition woven in them in the finest fleece wool which is cherished, used and passed down from one generation to the next. The most popular native textile art in North America is the Navajo Indian blankets and rugs. Most of these are made in the traditional Mexican style. Native American blankets are normally smaller sized, about the size of a robe, which is the preferred size for all the North Americans for ceremonial purposes and it can also be used for wrapping around the body like a robe. Not only are they used as robes and blankets but have other decorative purposes as well. They can be used as wall hangings and can also conveniently be folded on the foot of the bed or the sofa.

Collectors will also be interested in the Indian blankets produced today. Santa artist, ramona sakiestewa recently became the first native american to design a series of blankets. The circle of life blanket was made in honor of all tribal elders and wisdom keepers who hand down knowledge. Chief eagle is in honor of chief seelastee of the yakima nation. He is remembered for his involvement in educational programs, many of which are still in use today.

These blankets were some of the first blankets in history and are still made and used today. They are not only popular among native american tribes they are also very popular among all groups.

by: Lari Smith

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