Authenticity: Pendleton Brings Expertise to Killers of the Flower Moon

Pendleton Woolen Mills was called upon to help cinch a genuine portrayal of the Osage nation's attire during the 1920s.

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The foundation of influential historical films is the research conducted before beginning the film. Filmmakers must immerse themselves in the history of their subject to better understand the cultural nuances, societal norms, and significant events of the period.

The cinematic masterpiece Killers of the Flower Moon provides an authentic representation of the Osage nation, focusing on the honest reflection of the indigenous group's attire during the 1920s. In this, Pendleton Woolen Mills was called upon to help cinch a genuine portrayal.

Killers of the Flower Moon was released in 2023, based on the 2017 book by David Grann. The film centers around a series of murders committed in the 1920s when oil was found on Osage Nation tribal land. The film is praised for its historical accuracy and profound portrayal of a shameful time in history, representing the experiences of indigenous people in an honorable way.

Collaboration between filmmakers and historians, scholars and experts is crucial to ensure historical accuracy because experts can provide essential insights that guide the cultural nuances of a period or group of people. Filmmakers seeking such experts' assistance can help avoid inaccuracies and add lesser-known details that help make the film more authentic and rich. Great films rely on these details to help ensure accuracy. With a historical event deserving of attention and care, it is understandable that lesser-known details of this period in the Osage nation's history would be sought out.

Authentic representation was honored through the close working relationship with representatives of the Osage nation and the team of actors. Pacific Northwest-based company Pendleton Woolen Mills helped craft textiles and costumes for the 10-time Academy Award-nominated film.

During the costume team's research of clothing worn by the Osage people in the 1920s, the team learned the importance of the blanket robe, a wool blanket worn as part of traditional Osage attire. These trade blankets are still significant to Native communities across the country, and Pendleton is a master at crafting the serape-style robes popular in the Osage Nation.

With more than 100 years of experience crafting and designing high-quality products, Pendelton is skilled at incorporating actual Native American design patterns into their products. Throughout discussions between the film's costume team and Pendleton, it was decided that the company would craft reproduction blankets and put the costume in contact with leading expert Barry Friedman. Mr. Friedman provided the film crew with approximately 60 vintage blankets, 20 of which were vintage Pendleton, all of which can be admired throughout the film.

But Pendleton did not just provide trade blankets for Killers of the Flower Moon. The company also crafted various tapestries and other items of attire that can be seen throughout the film, highlighting its subject matter expertise with each item crafted and making this company a considerable part of the historical accuracy of this historically significant film.