Button Blanket Information
A button blanket is wool wearing blanket embellished with mother-of-pearl buttons, created by Northwest Coastal tribes.
Rather than sleeping equipment, the blankets are used as capes and gifts at ceremonial dances and potlatches.[1]
The blankets were originally acquired from the Hudson's Bay Company traders during the mid-19th century.[2] The trade blankets were typically dark blue duffle and decorated with buttons made from abalone or dentalium shells.[3] The central crest typically portrayed a symbol of the wearer's family heritage.[4]
The blankets usually have a red border on the upper and lateral edges. A central crest figure is created from the buttons and red flannel appliqué. Button blankets are worn over the shoulders and the crest design hangs on the back of the wearer.[5]
Among the tribes who make button blankets, they are not hung from walls, except at funerals or near the graves of chiefs.[5]
Haida artist Florence Davidson (1896–1993) was known for her button blankets.
See also
Notes
- ^ The Tsimshian
- ^ Windspeaker profiles of outstanding Aboriginal people
- ^ Civilization.ca - Treasures Gallery - Button blankets
- ^ Civilization.ca - Grand Hall - Haida house (interior)
- ^ a b Wade, 114
References
- Wade, Edwin L. The Arts of the North American Indian: Native Traditions in Evolution. Manchester, VT: Hudson Hills, 1986. ISBN 978-0933920552.
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Categories:
- Native American clothing
- Blankets
- Alaska culture
- Pacific Northwest art
- Indigenous textile art of the Americas
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