Source: Cherokee Nation
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – It’s the time of year when the weather turns cold, and the Cherokee Nation is selling a new Pendleton blanket that can be used to stay warm this winter.
The blanket was made by iconic Pendleton Woolen Mills and retails for $250. It can be purchased at the Cherokee Nation Gift Shop in Tahlequah and the Cherokee Art Gallery inside Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa.
Designed by award-winning Cherokee Nation Lead Graphic Designer Dan Mink, of Stilwell, the blanket is rich in earth tone colors and features culturally significant detail.
“The time was right for a new customized blanket for the Cherokee Nation. We wanted to create a piece that was visually appealing and culturally significant,” said Principal Chief Bill John Baker. “While this blanket appears vibrant and modern, in actuality it is composed of historic and cultural motifs and colors that are important to the Cherokee people. It is a beautiful design that symbolizes the strength and unity of our people, our rich history, our cultural identity and our sovereign government.”
Central to the Pendleton design is a seven-pointed star, reflecting the seven clans of the Cherokee people. Mink also chose a starburst pattern to represent the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes originating from one fire. The color tan represents buck skin; red, black and yellow are artistic colors found in Cherokee artifacts; and gold comes from the Cherokee Nation seal. The border of the blanket is a Southeastern motif, and basket weaving was the inspiration for the inner corners.
“To stay authentic, traditional Cherokee colors are incorporated into the blanket design, as well as circles, which are never ending and always a theme in Native American art,” Mink said. “It was a great honor to be asked by Chief Baker to design the new Pendleton. It’s a joy to express my interpretation of what our Cherokee Nation stands for, both culturally and contemporarily.”
The Pendleton is available online at http://cherokeegiftshop.com/category/63-pendleton-products.aspx and at the following locations:
Cherokee Nation Gift Shop
17725 S. Muskogee Ave. Tahlequah
Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
918-456-2793
Cherokee Art Gallery
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
777 W. Cherokee St.
Daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
918-384-6723