The Tlingit button blanket

• Main Author: Otness, Sharol Lind
• Other Authors: Clothing, Textiles, and Related Arts, Oregon State University. Graduate School
• Format: Master Thesis
• Language: English; unknown
• Published: Oregon State University
• Subjects: Tlingit Indians > Social life and customs; Blankets; tlingit
• Online Access: https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/dz010v44q

The Tlingit Button Blanket was developed on the Northwest Coast of North America in the early 19th century as a result of the introduction of foreign materials brought by European explorers and traders in the late 18th century. The-Tlingit Indians substituted trade items for indigenous materials and integrated the resulting blanket into their society as a ceremonial robe. The purpose of this study was twofold. One purpose was to examine historic (pre-1930) and contemporary (post-1930) Button Blankets for form, materials used, and methods of construction. Comparisions were made as to similarities and differences between the two periods. It was concluded that the Tlingit Button Blanket as a whole has maintained its traditional character over time, even though the materials and methods used for construction have changed. The second purpose of this study was to determine if similarities exist between contemporary usage of the Button Blanket and its historic uses. It was found that the,Tlingit Button Blanket is still utilized in its original context, basically associated with socio-religious rites, but usage has diversified and become more secularized.