Language of The Robe: American Indian Trade Blankets [Paperback]

Robert W Kapoun (Author), Charles J. Lohrmann (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 20, 1997

For all Native American cultures, from the Plains and Southwest people to the tribes of the Northwest Coast, the blanket makes a visual statement of "Indianness." Language of the Robe explains a living tradition among the Native American people. Today, trade blankets are collectibles, especially those that were made prior to World War II. Language of the Robe identifies, classifies, and presents the history of the trade blanket. Within the tribe or pueblo, the blanket is a statement of an individual's bond to the older, traditional ways, to roots that run deep. As a gift, the blanket is an important acknowledgement of friendship, gratitude and respect. Bright colors and intricately woven patterns are the hallmarks of the American Indian trade blankets. Even though the blankets were commercially produced by companies such as the famous Pendleton Woolen Mills, they were embraced by Native American peoples across the country and became an integral part of their culture and ceremonies. Robert W. Kapoun and his wife, Marianne, collect and document trade blankets. Bob has lectured extensively on the subject and has curated a traveling exhibition. He and his family live in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and are owner 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 a freelance writer who lives in Austin, Texas.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

For all Native American cultures, from the Plains and Southwest people to the tribes of the Northwest Coast, the blanket makes a visual statement of "Indianness." Language of the Robe explains a living tradition among the Native American people. Today, trade blankets are collectibles, especially those that were made prior to World War II. Language of the Robe identifies, classifies, and presents the history of the trade blanket. Within the tribe or pueblo, the blanket is a statement of an individual's bond to the older, traditional ways, to roots that run deep. As a gift, the blanket is an important acknowledgement of friendship, gratitude and respect. Bright colors and intricately woven patterns are the hallmarks of the American Indian trade blankets. Even though the blankets were commercially produced by companies such as the famous Pendleton Woolen Mills, they were embraced by Native American peoples across the country and became an integral part of their culture and ceremonies. Robert W. Kapoun and his wife, Marianne, collect and document trade blankets. Bob has lectured extensively on the subject and has curated a traveling exhibition. He and his family live in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and are owner 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 a freelance writer who lives in Austin, Texas.

About the Author

Charles J Lohrmann was the founding editor of Four Winds magazine, a journal of Native American Art, culture and history.

Robert W Kapoun of Santa Fe has lectured extensively on this subject and has curated a traveling exhibition of trade blankets.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Gibbs Smith (February 20, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879058110
• ISBN-13: 978-0879058111
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,496,127 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating, unusual history, June 23, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Language of the Robe: American Indian Trade Blankets (Hardcover)

Over three hundred photos beautifully spice a history and survey of pre-World War II Indian trade blankets, revealing not only examples from the five major manufacturers, but some surprises confronting the common myth of Native blanket-making. Collectors, textile artists and Native American history enthusiasts alike receive a thorough survey of these blankets, how they became a symbol of Native history, and how they were traded and constructed. From machinery purchases and business transactions within the manufacturing industry to how tribal customers directed the Indian trade blanket designs and manufacturing process, LANGUAGE OF THE ROBE is a fascinating, unusual history.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Collectible Trade Blankets, July 28, 2006

By 

Rebecca Johnson "The Rebecca Review" (Washington State) - See all my reviews
(COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Language of the Robe: American Indian Trade Blankets (Hardcover)

"...an Omaha girl was seen flitting among the tall prairie flowers, shifting her white blanket to suit her varying moods - now letting it float as she swept in ever-widening curves, or at the slightest sound, hiding her glossy head and laughing among its soft folds." ~The Omaha Tribe, Alice Fletcher

Robert W. Kapoun documents the wide variety of trade blankets in this fascinating study of Native American culture. He describes the blanket as a poetic statement that is given a voice by the wearer. If you have ever wrapped a blanket around yourself for comfort or used a scarf as a fashion statement, then you begin to understand how a robe can create various moods and gives the wearer a sense of fashion.

"These blankets are not merely being worn to provide warmth; they create a statement, if you will, which says, "These blankets are part of our culture." ~Robert W. Kapoun

The writing in this book is especially poetic and while learning about the cultural significance of the blankets, you may also start to feel a deeper connection with nature. These blankets promote a sense of community and are used as gifts, to carry children, to display wealth and to protect from the elements.

The designs on the robes make an interesting study when you see the charts for the terminology of the designs. Then this becomes art appreciation as you identify a dragonfly, a feather, clouds, lightning, turtles, teepees, rabbit ears, birds and leaves. The brightly colored blankets either have stripes or intricately woven patterns. This book identifies collectible blankets and also explores the historical significance.

The way to find modern versions of these blankets here at Amazon is to apparently type in "Pendleton Woolen Mills." I tried just about everything else.

~The Rebecca Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting, May 26, 2009

By 

Carol A. Johnson "carol" (ca) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Language of the Robe: American Indian Trade Blankets (Hardcover)

Very interesting, shows a living history of the trade blankets thru facts and personal stories. Explains how the trade blanket came about and its importance in American History. A variety of blanket photos.