Dozens of colorful blankets stacked on top of each other to make a very tall tower

Blanket Story

Dozens of colorful blankets stacked on top of each other to make a very tall tower

Marie Watt (Seneca and German-Scots), Blanket Story, Confluence, Heirloom, and Tenth Mountain Division, 2013. Wool and cotton blankets and reclaimed cedar. Native Arts Acquisition Fund, 2013.75.1-158. © Marie Watt

Marie Watt is a multidisciplinary artist who engages communities in the creation of her work. As a citizen of the Seneca Nation, Watt models her approach on Indigenous ways of sharing knowledge and learning. For this piece, she asked individuals from the local Denver community to contribute a blanket along with its story. Blankets, for many Native communities, are given away to honor those who are witness to important life events. This work, made up of 157 blankets, is Watt’s way of honoring the personal stories and life events of our community.

Dive deeper by learning more about Blanket Story: Confluence, Heirloom, and Tenth Mountain Division and then add to this journal entry page to connecting the artwork with your community.

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Kid posing next to Samurai suit of armor
Lesson Spark

Suit Up!

Using the samurai's suit of armor as an example, think about whether there is an order or a ritual to when you get dressed. Which items are important? Are there certain things you wear that have a purpose?