PrintFeatures:

• 82% virgin wool 18% cotton
• Trim: 70% wool 30% rayon
• White Bison design
• Size: 64" X 80"
• Made in the U.S.A
• Dry clean only

The rare White Bison are born only once in every 10 million births and were considered to have sacred powers. In 1933, a while buffalo was born in the wild on Montana's Flathead Indian Reservation and was called "Big Medicine". The return of the White Buffalo is considered to be a fulfillment of an ancient prophecy that speaks of a new beginning of the peoples and mother earth. Tradition spoke of the coming of a herd of pure white buffalo. The seven bison on this blanket represent the seven directions: North, South, East, West, Above, Below, and Within. Together the directions symbolize wholeness for mankind and the earth. The prayer pipes signify mankind's communication with the creator and the four hands in the center circle of life represent the diverse peoples of the world and a new beginning. Tell this tale to your children while snuggled up next to the fire. 

During the turn of the 20th Century the Pendleton Blanket legend was born at a woolen mill in Pendleton, Oregon that began producing striking wool blankets with vivid colors and authentic Native American Indian designs for the Umatilla and Cayuse Indian tribes in the Northwest.  The combination of beauty, quality, durability and the superior warmth of the wool blankets has earned Pendleton a reputation for superb craftsmanship and quality which continues to be a hallmark of the Pendleton Blanket.

Style(s): ZE494-52417

Print Nothing says quality like a product that has been around for over 120 years, like Pendleton wool clothing. Founded by a young English weaver, Thomas Kay, this company continues to thrive under the direction of Kay's family. Thomas Kay's eldest daughter, Fannie, learned the mill business and ably assisted her father in mill operation and management. When she married retail merchant C.P. Bishop, a complementary combination of merchandising and manufacturing expertise emerged - a solid foundation for what was to become Pendleton Woolen Mills. This dual textile-retail heritage was passed on to the three Bishop sons, Clarence, Roy and Chauncey. In 1909, with family and town backing, the Bishop sons started up an idle mill in Pendleton, Oregon. The mill, originally built in 1893, faced increased freight tariffs and the business became unprofitable. In 1895, the scouring plant was enlarged and converted into a woolen mill which made bed blankets and robes for Native Americans. In 1912, the addition of a weaving mill in Washougal, WA, broadened Pendleton's capability for fabric variety, including suitings. Wool shirts for men were largely utility items in the early 20th century. In 1924, the legendary Pendleton virgin wool men's shirt was born. Pendleton has thrived under the direction of the Bishop family. Today, their sons have assumed management roles in the company. C.M. Bishop III is president and John and Charles are vice presidents. Another son, Peter, is manager of the Catalog/Internet Division. This family thread has continued to produce Pendleton leadership with a legacy of hands-on management for six generations -- warranted to be a Pendleton since 1863.