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Northwest Coast Textiles (Photo Diary)

by: Ojibwa

Sun Jan 06, 2013 at 09:55:25 AM PST

The Northwest Coast peoples have a wide variety of garments which are worn during ceremonies and for special occasions. Sometimes the clothes are decorated with crest designs that show the wearer's clan. Shown below are some examples of Northwest Coast textiles and weaving which are on display at the Portland Art Museum.  

Some neckpieces are shown above.

One of the best examples of Northwest Coast weaving can be seen in the Chilkat Dancing Blankets or Robes (example shown above). These blankets combine the twining of mountain goat wool and cedar bark with the images of mythological creatures. According to some experts, The pattern of the Chilcat blanket came from the Tsimshian and was adopted by the Tlingit, the Chilcat people specializing in its production, owning to the ease with which mountain goat's wool could be procured in their district.

Traditionally, it would take a year or more to make a Chilkat Blanket. The blankets are woven by the women, but the designs are painted by male artists on special pattern boards.

A pattern board for a Chilcat robe is shown above.

This is another woven robe.

A woven rain hat or canoe hat is shown above.

A button blanket is shown above. This is a Tlingit blanket made about 1900 with pearl buttons and wool cloth. Button blankets were developed during the 19th century. Most are made of dark blue wool with a red pattern. The buttons are sewn individually to create the desired pattern.

A pair of leggings is shown above.