Organized by the Alaska State Museum (ASM), this exhibit traces the history of the sacred textiles known today as “Ravenstail” and “Chilkat” robes. Two dozen robes will carry the story of Native weaving among the Tsimshian, Haida, and Tlingit of Alaska and British Columbia, representing both ancient and modern ceremonial robes made by Alaska Natives and First Nations weavers.
Take the Tour
Woven from the plush white fur of mountain goats, these robes were seen by early Euro-American visitors to the northern Northwest Coast when they contacted First Nations and Alaska Native people. Their use is reserved for sacred ceremonies, where dancers wear them to display the crests of their clans. In the 1900s, only a few weavers carried these unique traditions into the 21st century.
The exhibit is developed by ASM, working with a curatorial team of internationally renowned weavers:
Assisted by Juneau-area weavers:
Image: Potlatch Guests Arriving at Sitka, Winter 1803 by Bill Holm. Collection of the Alaska State Museum 92-22-1
©Friends of the Alaska State Libraries, Archives and Museum.
FoSLAM is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Juneau, AK , P.O. Box 22421, Juneau, AK 99802
