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  3. Oregon Potlatch Wool Blanket

Oregon Potlatch Wool Blanket

  • $225.00
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  1. Home
  2. Tony Johnson
  3. Oregon Potlatch Wool Blanket

Oregon Potlatch Wool Blanket

  • $225.00

This beautiful blanket features nine different designs representing each of the federally recognized tribes of Oregon. A 10th design - a human figure from a regional basket from the Columbia river- was added to represent all other tribes (past and present), as well as people who are not affiliated with any tribe. In other words, the basketry designs represent all people who live in the land that is now called "Oregon".

"Potlatch" is generally a loose term used to represent the ability to demonstrate  wealth. Many tribes in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest have gift giving components to most "rights of passage", "death", "Name Giving" and "Honoring" ceremonies. The act of distributing "gifts" during Potlatch and other community events was a way to show your hard work and commitment to community as it took time, coordinated effort, and resources to gather the materials, items and food. During the act of "Potlatch," many blankets, traditional foods, baskets, commodities, tools and household items would be distributed to key members of the community and witnesses to the ceremony as to officially validate the specific event.

"Oregon Potlatch" represents that the wealth of the land of the people who live/lived there, as well as the ability to work together even though everyone is different. This design was also a collaboration with Shirod Younker (Coquille/Miluk Coos/Umpqua) and Tony Johnson (Chinook) for the Oregon State University's Native American Longhouse interior beams and exterior door. 

  • 2-sided design
  • Covers top of Queen Size bed (59 in x 78 in/ 200 cm x 150 cm)
  • Colors include black, gray, white and orange
  • Microsuede Edge Band
  • 100% New Zealand Wool pile; 100% polyester warp
  • Designed by Shirod Younker (Coquille/Miluk Coos/Umpqua) and Tony Johnson (Chinook)
  • Imported
  • Dry Clean

Thank you for supporting Inspired Natives™, not "Native-inspired."

5% of all blanket sales support the Inspired Natives® Award for emerging arts entrepreneurs.

Product Care:

  • Recommended care is Dry Clean Only. However, you can rinse your blanket on a gentle, cold setting. Hang dry away from direct sunlight.
  • Clean liquid stains immediately with warm water and mild detergent.
  • Never use harsh chemicals or scrub wool.
  • Store blanket away from direct sunlight.
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about the artists

Shirod Younker (Coquille/Miluk Coos/Umpqua) is an artist and educator who has committed to perpetuating the artwork of his people, and supporting others to do the same. Shirod grew up canoeing, crabbing, clamming, and fishing the waters of the South Slough in Coos Bay, Oregon, where his tribes old village used to be. For Shirod, his work with art is also deeply intertwined with community engagement and education, which includes his participation in Journeys In Creativity: Explorations in Native American Art and Wakanim Artist Collaborative Collective.

Tony A. Johnson (Chinook) is an artist and current chairman of the Chinook Indian Nation. He’s also a Chinuk Wawa language teacher. Johnson was born in South Bend, Washington, and studied Art and Anthropology at the University of Washington and Central Washington University.

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