Pendleton Gather Blanket

Like the piñon tree, members of the Navajo Nation gather resources to survive an increasingly precarious water supply. This blanket design, created by Diné artist Emma Robbins, features symbols of endurance. The center motif represents a young women's bracelet set with turquoise, a stone formed by rare rains flowing through layers of rock. Above and below is a sáanii (maternal grandmother) scarf crossed by traditional sash belts used in ceremonies and childbirth.