DCHP-2

button blanket DCHP-2 (October 2016)

• n. — Aboriginal, especially First Nations

  a cape ornamented with family crests, using white buttons in the design, worn as regalia at feasts and other important events by First Nations peoples of the West Coast.

  Type: 4. Culturally Significant — Button blankets are worn at potlatches and feasts by members of West Coast First Nations. At traditional naming ceremonies, a button blanket with the individual's family crest is presented to the recipient (see the Canadian Museum of History reference).
  See also COD-2, s.v. "button blanket", which mentions "Aboriginal peoples of the Pacific Coast of North America", Gage-5, s.v. "button blanket", which is marked "Cdn.", ITP Nelson, s.v. "button blanket", which mentions "Aboriginal peoples of the Pacific Coast".

  See also: potlatch ((n.))  thunderbird cape