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Professor
Arthur Amiotte, a Lakota Sioux, is an internationally exhibiting artist and is
widely published on the subject of Native American art. For 25 years he has
taught all aspects of native traditional and contemporary studio fine arts.
"Day and Night Robe" is a version of the traditional Beaded Strip
Blanket worn by the Northern Plains people. Originally the robes were made of
bison hides and decorated with a band of beading and quill work. Later these
beaded strips were recycled onto wool blankets and secured with lengths of
"rainbow selvedge" - colorful trade cloth issued as annuities or
treaty payments. During traditional courting, a young Plains man would wrap
himself and his beloved in the robe for moments of privacy and conversation. The
red and blue halves of the design symbolize particularly sacred days and nights
and the blankets are still worn on such occasions.
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