THE HISTORY OF THE USE OF BLANKETS

The history of the use of blankets from its origin until today has changed a lot adapting to the different ways of life of man in each moment. 

At the beginning of history, man's use of blankets was limited to the use of an animal skin, hair or wool mattress used for sleeping.

It was placed under people and allowed them to stay dry and warm by separating them from the cold and wet ground. For a long period of mankind, man has slept on the ground. There are many cultures that continue to do so, even today many young people enjoy their leisure time on the floor as well.

This use of blankets has changed throughout history depending on the culture. The blankets have been made with different local natural materials according to the areas of the planet where they were manufactured. They were an indicator of status, cultural identity, belonging to a trade, clan or region and always a shelter for man.

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THE BLANKET THAT COVERS AND WRAPS US.

The handmade blanket began as a versatile fabric thataccompanied us during the day to cover our body and then tucked us in at night, becoming a cape in countless cultures.

The characteristic plaids that we associate with traditional blankets come from Celtic clan textiles or shepherd's blankets. These Celtic textiles called "tartan" were woven in wool to differentiate the people of the clans and were large pieces that served as clothing and blankets.

Shepherd's blankets have accompanied this trade for centuries, their characteristic brown squares have survived as a traditional wool blanket design to the present day.

Also muleteers and traders used to transport their handmade blankets on their journeys, so that the wool blanket became a very precious commodity for their travels.

Within the history of the use of the blanket will have great importance the Middle Ages. In this period, blankets became an object of value since they were given as gifts to the nobility and royalty.

They used to be made of wool and later evolved as decorative objects into tapestries.

The most valuable ones had more elaborate and intricate designs that in many places come from an oriental aesthetic. This is the case in Spain where looms of Arab origin produce fabrics of the highest quality.

It is in this medieval period where the wool blanket separates the bodies of sleepers and married couples who had the obligation to sleep naked to facilitate procreation. The blankets that came to cover people during their rest offered separation and intimacy.

And it is also at this time where its use becomes decorative, as large decorative blankets or tapestries covered the walls of castles and noble dwellings, insulating them from the cold.

These tapestries of high artistic value are among the treasures of many noble families such as the Medici in Italy (Uffizi Gallery - Florence) or Royal Houses such as the Spanish Monarchy.

In different areas of the world the blanket will also be a spiritual object that will speak of the status and the community with its designs. Examples of this can be found in Mexico, which since pre-Hispanic times has had the memorial blanket as its most important cultural object.

From this moment on, and up to the present day, blankets will evolve into very different objects according to their use, evolving towards decoration, interior design or clothing and fashion.

DIFFERENT USES OF THE BLANKET IN DECORATION.

The blanket has always been an object of shelter and care for man, as well as a cultural and spiritual identity.

It was produced in an artisan way and with natural materials from the area such as wool, linen, cotton or even silk.

Today, the most exclusive handmade blankets are also still produced in a traditional way. They are made with natural materials that take care of people and the environment. Nowadays the needs have changed and we are looking for softness and comfort.

The history of its use changes when it comes to decoration and housing.

Probably in the history of many cultures of the world the first dwellings were built with blankets. Wool blankets felted in the Siberian steppe areas or blankets of lighter fabrics that would be used to make tents and portable shelters in desert areas.

The blanket is a versatile material that is easy to carry when traveling, and even today we can't imagine a picnic without a good sofa blanket.

But in many cases, due to their importance and weight, blankets become decorative objects such as decorative tapestries or carpets when placed on the floor, evolving in their design and textile design.

Decorative tapestries were a cultural and luxury object, which are now being reborn through the most contemporary textile art. Formerly they had the function of covering the walls and function as insulation from the cold and also have their origin in the handmade blankets.

In Europe, designs also told the history of the time, battles, conquests and relevant events. These were immortalized through the linen and gold threads with which these tapestries were made. Artistic tapestries also reflect contemporary aesthetics and values of textile art and are increasingly appreciated in modern decoration and interior design.

The rug also evolves from that blanket that in prehistoric times was placed on the floor. In any type of decoration it becomes a common object. In addition to insulating from the cold, it allows with its designs to give personality to our decorations.

As you can see, the blanket has accompanied man since its beginnings. Establishing a very intimate relationship with him and forming part of his culture in any part of the world.

Nowadays, the blanket has continued to cover our bodies, but it has become a part of our daily life. Nowadays we can find blankets made of milk protein fiber, silk, wool, linen that bring comfort and care to our homes.

Due to minimalism and trends in decoration, we currently prefer for our homes sofa or bed blankets in neutral colors. Tones that offer us care, tranquility and calm that combine with all types of decoration.

In RiR & Co we continue to bet on handmade blankets made of natural materials as an object of value and symbol of the artisan knowledge that has been with us for centuries. We tell stories through them where natural materials speak of sustainability and care.

Blankets have been with us since prehistoric times. They continue to be part of our lives since the beginning of our lives in many of our activities in any part of the world.