Dance Blanket

From the mid-19th century button blankets appear widely across the Northwest Coast. More accurately described as robes, they are still widely worn by both men and women during important social and ceremonial occasions today. Adorned with mother-of-pearl buttons laid out to represent crest emblems, they illustrate family and clan histories as well as the rights, obligations, and privileges associated with them. The magnificent button blanket pictured here originally belonged to Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations Chief Charles James Nowell. Unlike most button blankets which showcase a central crest figure rendered by buttons and red flannel appliqué against dark blue or black wool blankets, the present example is noteworthy for the abundance of its iconography. The most prominent figure is an eagle placed at the top centre of the design field. Outlined in shell buttons and blue, white, and yellow glass beads, its most distinctive feature is a red beaded heart. A pair of bears appear on either side of the eagle while below we see a pair of two orcas. At the bottom of the blanket, a broken copper indicates the status and wealth of the chiefly owner of this robe. The scene is framed by intricately stitched floral elements across the central blue design field and red broadcloth border. The innovative design together with the exceptional skill of the Kwakwaka’wakw woman who created this extraordinary blanket make it one of the finest blankets of its type extent. Approximately thirty years ago the blanket was returned to the U'mista Cultural Society, a Kwakwaka’wakw cultural heritage centre in Alert Bay, BC. Donald Ellis Gallery is proud to have facilitated the acquisition.