ravenstail weavings

Originating from what is now Southeast Alaska and the West Coast of Canada, Ravenstail robes, tunics, leggings, dance aprons, and other regalia are represented by few historic, and a growing number of modern examples, on display all over the world.  Cheryl Samuel rediscovered, named, and revived the Ravenstail art form, which has evolved to encompass a large variety of geometric patterned robes and other regalia in many vibrant colors and original designs.  Older pieces are primarily black & white with yellow, green, or red additions.  Woven on a cross beam loom, wefts are twined around warps a for a tapestry-like effect.  Traditional warp consists primarily of thigh spun mountain goat wool.  Merino wool warps for this robe were thigh spun by Elena Montford. 

 

chilkat

Merino wool & cedar bark warps thigh spun by artist.  Pattern board design by Nathan Jackson

cedar bark