| The Trade Blanket American Indian Style Arts And Crafts |
To the American Indian, their ability to
trade for necessary items was as important
as their daily routines to sustain life. One of
their most prized trade items was the
blanket. The Indians were trading their hand
woven blankets of various fibers and skins to
each other long before the white man arrived
on their shores. The blanket was a very
versatile object. Not only was it used for
cover and warmth, the blanket could be
spread and used as a shelter from the sun
and rains. Other goods and possessions could
be rolled inside and more easily transported
from one location to the next.
When the Europeans arrived with their
machine made wool blankets, the Indian
people at once began trading for them.
These blankets were warmer and more
durable than their hand made. Soon the wool
blankets were highly sought after, and food,
furs, etc. were being traded for them.
With the ever increasing westward
movement by the early settlers trading posts
began to spring up in the upper Mississippi
and Ohio valleys. The "trade blanket" as
they were now being called, was one of their
most prized wares. By this time they were
being manufactured by several companies,
and the main consumer of these blankets
were the American Indian peoples. As it was
then, it still is today. The Indian people buy
more trade blankets than any other consumer
group. They are gifted to special and
deserving individuals at ceremonies,
pow-wows, and other special occasions. They
are also often given as wedding gifts.
trade for necessary items was as important
as their daily routines to sustain life. One of
their most prized trade items was the
blanket. The Indians were trading their hand
woven blankets of various fibers and skins to
each other long before the white man arrived
on their shores. The blanket was a very
versatile object. Not only was it used for
cover and warmth, the blanket could be
spread and used as a shelter from the sun
and rains. Other goods and possessions could
be rolled inside and more easily transported
from one location to the next.
When the Europeans arrived with their
machine made wool blankets, the Indian
people at once began trading for them.
These blankets were warmer and more
durable than their hand made. Soon the wool
blankets were highly sought after, and food,
furs, etc. were being traded for them.
With the ever increasing westward
movement by the early settlers trading posts
began to spring up in the upper Mississippi
and Ohio valleys. The "trade blanket" as
they were now being called, was one of their
most prized wares. By this time they were
being manufactured by several companies,
and the main consumer of these blankets
were the American Indian peoples. As it was
then, it still is today. The Indian people buy
more trade blankets than any other consumer
group. They are gifted to special and
deserving individuals at ceremonies,
pow-wows, and other special occasions. They
are also often given as wedding gifts.
| Web page design and layout by Jim Yellow Crow. Web page background graphics courtesy of Karenswhimsy Background music by permission of Native American Flute Artist Mary Youngblood ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Contents of this site, including text, graphics, and other information is the sole property of The Trade Blanket, and shall not be copied, reproduced nor distributed without written permission. |
At todays' gatherings and
pow-wows the trade
blanket has become
associated with a place to
gather and trade and
barter your crafts and
items. These include
things such as beadwork,
ribbonwork, shirts,
dresses, dance regalia,
accessories, bags,
flutes,and many other
items. We here at The
Trade Blanket are proud
to be able to offer to you
fine Native American
style arts and crafts.
Our items are hand
crafted by artists and
crafts people such as Jim
Gilliland(flute maker),
Laretta Weaver(beadwork
artist), Alaura Askins,
Milton Red Fox, Marie
Campbell and others..
pow-wows the trade
blanket has become
associated with a place to
gather and trade and
barter your crafts and
items. These include
things such as beadwork,
ribbonwork, shirts,
dresses, dance regalia,
accessories, bags,
flutes,and many other
items. We here at The
Trade Blanket are proud
to be able to offer to you
fine Native American
style arts and crafts.
Our items are hand
crafted by artists and
crafts people such as Jim
Gilliland(flute maker),
Laretta Weaver(beadwork
artist), Alaura Askins,
Milton Red Fox, Marie
Campbell and others..
We hope you enjoy your visit to our site, and if you would like to see other items added,
please don't hesitate to contact us with your request. Also if you see an item that you
would like special ordered with your colors, a particular design, etc. just let us know.
please don't hesitate to contact us with your request. Also if you see an item that you
would like special ordered with your colors, a particular design, etc. just let us know.
You are visitor