Friendship Blanket c. 1900

Editor: This is the "Friendship Blanket," made around 1900 by an artist of the Wazhazhe (Osage) Nation. It's crafted from wool, using what looks like a complex fiber art technique. The dark backdrop with the bold handprints gives it a striking, almost solemn feel. What stories do you think this piece holds? Curator: Oh, it's practically whispering them, isn't it? That darkness you perceive…think of it as the rich, fertile earth from which life springs. The Osage, part of the great Mississippi Valley civilization, viewed hands as symbols of action, labor, and connection. These aren't just any hands; they are offering, gesturing toward kinship and alliance. Editor: So, the red hands are more about giving than, say, warning? Curator: Exactly! Although red can symbolize many things, its vibrancy here sings of vitality and shared lifeblood. Notice the geometric patterns framing the dark space. What do they suggest to you? Editor: A boundary, maybe? Or perhaps… pathways? Like rivers flowing? Curator: Ah, I love that. Pathways, connections... precisely! These geometric forms could represent the cosmos, the interconnectedness of all things. They’re rendered in calming colors, speaking to balance and harmony. These blankets were often exchanged during ceremonies. Can you imagine receiving this as a pledge of friendship? Editor: Wow, it makes you consider the weight of such a gift, something handmade, laden with symbolism… not just something you'd buy in a store. Curator: Precisely! And doesn't that thought reframe the object entirely? Editor: Absolutely. It’s far more potent knowing it represents a genuine bond, skillfully crafted and rich with cultural meaning. Thank you for helping me connect with this in such a meaningful way.