725

Large Pendleton Beaver State Indian Trade Blanket

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:100.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 600.00 USD
Large Pendleton Beaver State Indian Trade Blanket
Included in this lot is a Pendleton Beaver State Wool Southwest Indian Trade Blanket. The name "Beaver State" originated in 1912 when Pendleton Woolen Mills robes, blankets and shawls were sold to the Nez Perce, Walla Walla, Cayuse and Umatilla tribes in the vicinity of the Pendleton mill on the Columbia River plateau. Pendleton Woolen Mills, which owes its name to the Oregon town that held its first factory built in 1895, started as a fabricator for trading posts, first for the local Columbia River Nez Perce nation near Pendleton and then expanded to the Navajo, Hopi and Zuni nations of the American Southwest. The blankets were used as basic wearing apparel and as a standard of value for trading and credit among Native Americans. The blankets also became prized for ceremonial use. Patterns include bright colors and geometric shapes, some of which are based on authentic tribal designs. Along with other varieties of Pendleton blankets, Beaver State blankets are highly collectible. The company's longevity is largely thanks to its roster of local wool shepherds, some of whom have been supplying the company for generations. This Pendleton Beaver State Trade blanket shows a light brown background and geometric shapes throughout with colors of orange, yellow, red, maroon, beige, green and black. The tag reads, "Beaver State / Reg. U.S. Pat. Off. Pendleton Woolen Mills / Pendleton, OR. Dry Clean / Robes and Shawls". The blanket shows good condition overall with some spots of wear from its use over the years, but no signs of obvious damage are present. The blanket measures 77 1/2" L x 64 5/8" W.