This is a Unique, Quality, 4 Color Blanket. The book "Language of the Robe" by Robert W. Kapoun with Charles J. Lohrmann shows in many ways the importance of the Native American Blanket and the honour in receiving such a gift. This knit item would make a wonderful gift or a great addition to your home decor.

This interpretation of The Owl is designed and handloomed by Sharon Nani ~ Artisan ~ non Native, with the deepest of respect for the culture of the Pacific Northwest Indian Nations. Sharon has worked with the Native American Nations fulfilling their requests to have their tribal designs put on knit wear that Sharon designs since the early 80's.

The Pacific Northwest Coast Art is applical to many Indian Nations ranging from Alaska to Northern California. The request for the Owl design originally came from a member of the Yurok tribe. The owl is an important symbol to many tribes and nations throughout the US.

This is a Pacific Northwest Coastal Art Style of the "The Owl" Design handloomed in traditional colors: Black Red White and a Blue Green (Deep Turquoise). Some Indian Nations say that The Owl was revered (honored) as being the guardian of the after-life - a highly respected emblem indeed. In California, a member of the Cahto and Covelo tribes said the owl was an omen or warning that something was going to happen.

You can find more various symbolic meanings on the web site of the owl. In many tribes the owl has a sinister meaning. In the Northwest, it was said that the owl calls out the names of men and women who will die soon. Among the Sioux, Hin-Han the owl guards the entrance to the Milky Way over which the souls of the dead must pass to reach the spirit land. Those who fail the owl's inspection because they do not have the proper tattoo on their wrists or elsewhere are thrown into the bottomless abyss. Do your own search and find out more about the owl depicted on this special blanket.

The Art of the Pacific Northwest Indian Nations is a unique art style all of its own. The different graphic shapes are used to interpret different body parts and characteristics for each animal drawing dependant upon the region. These are harder to depict in a knitwear design where the sutle curves and definite lines must fit in smaller spaces with rectangular shaped knit stitches.

Common features which are used in the "The Owl" are the black formline which defines all the parts. Inner designs of the head use the Ovoid for the eye orbit, cresents and trigons defining facial symbols. The Body is accented with S shapes to represent the ribs and black crescents to show feathers. The wings have split U, trigon, ovoid and cresents. The Tail Feathers also consists of split U, trigon, and crescents. The owl is encircled by 4 trigons with the inner curves forming on oval.

The edges of the blanket are bordered by a geometric basket design.

This style is more appropriate for wearing as a robe blanket, placing on the length of a couch or displaying on walls in large areas.

• Pacific Northwest Coastal Art Style
• Inspired from the art of the Pacific Northwest Coast
• Hand Loomed for Quality Workmanship and Personal Care
• High Grade Acrylic for Superior Quality
• Machine Wash: Cool Water Machine Dry: Knit Cycle
• Double Bed Jacquard Fabric
• Main Design: Motif: Owl bordered by geometric basket design
• Colors: Black, Red, White, Deep Turquoise
• Size: 37î wide by 72î long

sizes can vary slightly dependant upon motifs and color