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.

A brave warrior astride a swift steed thunders across the plain. Similar images were painted on buffalo hides by Plains Indians in the 1800s. Pendleton®'s original Celebrate the Horse blanket is based on a design from the Blackfoot tribe, expert horsemen who called the animal “elk-horse” for its great size.The arrival of the horse with 16th-century Spanish Conquistadors changed forever the culture of Native Americans, encouraging migration, trading, herding and hunting. Pendleton’s collectible Legendary series honors Native American symbols, traditions, ceremonies and beliefs. Each year, Pendleton works closely with Native Americans to create a new commemorative pattern telling the design’s story. These blankets are collectible heirlooms and lasting symbols of the mutual respect between Pendleton and its loyal first customers.©2007 Pendleton® Woolen Mills, All Rights Reserved.

WORLD EXPLORATION AND NATURAL DISCOVERIES had a profound effect on individuals in the 18th century. Naturalists in the New World recorded flora and fauna and sent botanical illustrations and even specimens back to England. The dominant influence in this design is an important watercolor painting of a magnolia painted by Georg Ehret in 1737. Ehret is widely regarded as the most important botanical illustrator of the 18th century, when curiosity and interest in the natural world led to the incorporation of designs from flora and fauna in silver, furniture, prints, textiles, and other objects known as the “decorative arts.” The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation has an extensive collection of the “decorative arts” that reflect this great interest in nature.© 2007 The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation