“Courtship Blanket” 9 x 12” Oil on Panel

A Native American tradition which inspired this painting is the courtship blanket.  Often the courtship blanket was made for a young man by a family member, such as his sister.  For an intentioned suitor to invite a young woman into the shelter and privacy of his blanket, signaled serious courtship intent.  Her acceptance into his blanket also symbolized willingness to consider the young  man as a possible husband.  The custom was called “ina aopemni inajinpi”, which means “standing wrapped in the blanket”.  In that private shelter, the couple was able to whisper together, although done in a public manner.  The tradition of the courtship blanket is a romantic notion of young love and was the impetus to this artwork.