Wearing Blanket

Native tanned bison robes were commonly used prior to 1840. When a bison was taken, it was skinned and the hide was split down the center to allow fleshing and tanning. The hide was later re-sewn and a narrow strip adorned with porcupine quill work and circular pendants was sewn over the seam. With the arrival of trade goods, beads replaced quillwork. Beaded blanket strips were made, such as this spectacular robe, perhaps the centerpiece of the exhibit. The three circular pendants are made with a rarely seen technique, porcupine quills wrapped around horse hair. This technique was occasionally used by the Hidatsa, Arikara, Mandan, Nez Perce, and Crow tribes.