Pendleton's exclusive Chief Joseph jacquard pattern was designed in the early 1920s to commemorate the heroism of one of the Pacific Northwest's greatest Nez Perce warriors, Chief Joseph.
This is the oldest ongoing design used by Pendleton. The central motif is balanced with arrowheads symbolizing bravery, pointing North, South, East and West. It expresses respect and admiration for the courage, strength, and bravery of Chief Joseph.
During the infamous Nez Perce war of 1875, he led several hundred of his people away from the U.S. Calvary. They traveled 1400 miles over difficult terrain in severe weather conditions to within 40 miles of the Canada border. There, he was quoted as saying, "I am tired of fighting... It is cold and we have no blankets."
The Nez Perce were known for their skills as warriors, horsemanship, support and guidance for the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery, and their continued peace efforts with the U.S. Government.
