Mar 01, 2007 - 04:19:15 CST
When the nation's premier woolen company asked artist Jesse Henderson to design a Pendleton blanket, he took it seriously."I was trying to be sensitive to my people," said Henderson, a Chippewa-Cree from the Rocky Boys' Reservation in northern Montana. "It's not just another pretty blanket. I set out to show a good representation of us."
The Missoula, Mont., resident met with a Cree Canadian spiritual leader. They went into a sweat lodge and prayed about how to respectfully represent the First Nations Cree in Canada and the United States using the designs of thunderbirds, drums and the sun.
With the blessings of tribal spiritual leaders, Henderson has since designed a blanket that depicts the Cree communicating with the Creator. The design is well on its way to becoming a best-seller in the Pendleton Woolen Mills Legendary Blanket series.
Each blanket in the series is given a name. And each blanket design is based on a specific tribe's beliefs, traditions and ceremonies. The best-seller to date reflects the horse culture.
" 'Celebrate the Horse' has been a home run," said Robert Christnacht, a senior manager for Pendleton's home and blanket division. "It exceeded our expectation by a factor of two or three." Yet, early blanket sales already have Henderson's "Sacred Dance" running neck-and-neck with the horse, which was designed by in-house artists rather than as a commissioned piece.
Since 1976, the Legendary series has introduced one blanket a year. And each year, one is retired. The White Buffalo Calf Woman blanket was taken off the market in 1996. It's now enjoying a secondary market life selling for about $1,000, said Christnacht.
Indian blankets have a storied history dating back to the late 19th century. Barry Friedman details the history of trade blankets in his book, "Chasing Rainbows." The colorful blankets typically were of a geometric design and created by whites to appeal to Indians.
Pendleton, a Portland, Ore.-based company, started weaving blankets in 1896. Prior to World War II, 800 woolen mills operated in the United States. Today, only a handful of mills remain in operation. Although Pendleton's blanket appeal has spread far and wide, American Indians still make up half the demand.
"We're the No. 1 blanket retailer in the state," said Barry Cubas, an owner of Desmond's clothing store in Missoula, where the "Chief Joseph" Pendleton blanket outsells all the Legendary blankets, reflecting national sales trends. Cubas credits design, color and variety for the sales from Montana to Japan.
Babbitt's Wholesale in Flagstaff, Ariz., is one of the top Pendleton sellers in the United States. Helene Babbitt, whose husband's family started in the trading post business more than a century ago, estimates that some 40,000 Pendleton blankets are sold annually in the Southwest.
"Almost all my business is to Native customers," said Babbitt, who is located near the Navajo Reservation. Once a popular trade item, the blankets remain integral to Indian traditions, often used as "giveaway" items and to honor others.
"It's a tradition," Babbitt said. "It's so incorporated into the culture."
Henderson took his commission to design a Pendleton blanket to heart. His two final designs proved so popular with the company, they used both. The second design is being used on a children's blanket, called "Chiefs Robe."
Eight of the Legendary blankets are now available in stores, where they retail for $188, on average. Henderson's "Sacred Dance" will be available in stores beginning March 25.
Meanwhile, Henderson is counting his blessings as an artist. He credits legendary artist C.M. Russell for being an inspiration that led the Chippewa Cree to develop a style which is becoming recognized across the United States.
Southwest Arts magazine named Henderson one of the top young Indian artists in the country in 2005.
Henderson's work commands attention through style and composition.
"His warm and richly detailed style of Western art, along with unique sensibilities, makes this year's blanket exceptional," Christnacht said. "We know it will be a favorite for the story it tells, but also simply for its beauty."
(Reporter Jodi Rave can be reached at 406-523-529 or jodi.rave@;lee.net.)
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