Beaded Plateau Blanket Strip on Rainbow Selvedge Trade Cloth

Beaded or porcupine quilled decorative strips were originally used to cover the seam on a tanned buffalo robe, as most robes were cut in half down the backbone and tanned in two pieces (because of the weight and size). They were then sewn back together. The beaded strip covered the seam and provided a decorative element to the robe when worn.

With the decimation of the buffalo and the introduction of wool blankets by anglo traders, the blanket became the standard apparel on the Northern Plains. The use of the decorative blanket strip was a continuation of the buffalo robe tradition.

MATERIAL:  Blue wool with rainbow selvedge, Italian seed beads, silk ribbon, brass beads.

ORIGIN:  Plateau Nations (Nez Perce or Crow) circa 1880-1900.

SIZE:  75 x 59,”  perfect condition