Featured in this lot is this Pendleton Beaver State Wool Southwest Indian Trade blanket. The name "Beaver State" originated in 1912 when Pendleton Woolen Mills robes, blankets and shawls were sold to the Nez Perce, Walla Walla, Cayuse and Umatilla tribes in the vicinity of the Pendleton mill on the Columbia River plateau. Pendleton Woolen Mills, which owes its name to the Oregon town that held its first factory built in 1895, started as a fabricator for trading posts, first for the local Columbia River Nez Perce nation near Pendleton and then expanded to the Navajo, Hopi and Zuni nations of the American Southwest. The blankets were used as basic wearing apparel and as a standard of value for trading and credit among Native Americans. The blankets also became prized for ceremonial use. Patterns include bright colors and geometric shapes, some of which are based on authentic tribal designs. Along with other varieties of Pendleton blankets, Beaver State blankets are highly collectible. The company's longevity is largely thanks to its roster of local wool shepherds, some of whom have been supplying the company for generations. This Pendleton Beaver State Trade blanket shows a background color of blue and features geometric designs throughout in colors of black, yellow, orange, red, magenta, and light blue. The tag is in the corner of the blanket and shows yellow lettering reading, "Beaver State / Reg. U.S. Pat. Off. Pendleton Woolen Mills / Pendleton, OR. Dry Clean / Robes and Shawls". The blanket shows good condition overall with little to no wear and no signs of obvious damage present. The blanket measures 41 1/4" L x 30 1/8" W.