Dance blanket, c. 1900
Otoe-Missouriaexpand_more
Wool, beads, ribbonexpand_more
The George Family Endowment Acquisition Fund for Native American Artexpand_more 2016.4
Not on Viewexpand_more
This blanket started out as a standard-issue Hudson Bay blanket, factory-made from British wool. An Otoe or Otoe-Missouria artist transformed it into a work of art—a prized Native dance blanket. It was probably made for a member of the Osage community around 1900. The Osage were immensely rich due to the oil discovered on the Osage Nation land. Wealthy Osage individuals often commissioned their ceremonial regalia from neighboring Otoe and Otoe-Missouria peoples. This blanket features signature Otoe and Otoe-Missouria–style appliqué with colorful beads. When it is worn, the floral designs appear on the front and the horses on the back, wrapping the dancer with decoration.
Details
- Title
- Dance blanket
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2016.4
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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