First produced in the 1920’s, the Chief Joseph blanket is one of the oldest, on-going blankets made by Pendleton Woolen Mills. The blanket pattern celebrates the heroism of the Northwest's great Nez Perce leader, Chief Joseph. Its design is balanced with arrowheads symbolizing bravery and pointing in all directions of Mother Earth. Chief Joseph, known by his people as In-mut-too-yah-lat-lat (Thunder coming up over the land from the water), was best known for his resistance to the U. S. Government's attempts to force his tribe onto reservations. The Nez Perce were a peaceful nation spread from Idaho to northern Washington state and Chief Joseph assumed his role as Chief in 1877.
