American Indian Trade Blankets
Author: Robert W. Kapoun with Charles J. Lormann

 

Over the many generations since Native Americans began trade with Europeans, few items have become so closely identified with the indigenous American cultures as has the American Indian trade blanket. From the history of the trade blanket to contemporary collectible blankets to designs of the major trade blanket manufacturers such as Pendleton Woolen Mills, Racine Woolen Mills, and Buell Manufacturing Company, Language of the Robe presents the bright colors and intricately woven patterns hallmark to American Indian trade blankets. Beautifully illustrated with over 370 photographs, this handsome volume explains how the blanket is an important acknowledgment of friendship, gratitude and respect.

 

About the Authors:
Robert W. Kapoun has lived in the Southwest for more than thirty years, working closely with Native American people. Their passion for the trade blnkets, i.e. Pendletons, inspired Bob and his wife, Marianne, to collect and ultimately document these beautiful blankets. Bob has lectured extensively on this subject and has curated a traveling exhibition entitled The Language of the Robe: American Indian Trade Blankets. Bob, Marianne and family live in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and are the owners of The Rainbow Man.

 

Charles J. Lohrmann  was founding editor of Four Winds magazine, a journal of Native American art, culture and history. He is currently a freelance writer living in Austin, Texas, specializing in Native American arts and culture.

 

Hardcover. 192 pages.