Chilkat weavers combine wool, bark, and dye with cultural knowledge to create textile regalia within a network of relationships. These seen and unseen networks extend through families, clans, ancestors, and trade partners as well as animals, plants, and the land.
Vertical Chilkat warp gives strength to a weaving through a balance of wool and cedar bark, thigh-spun together. This sturdy warp balances the forces needed to create braided lines and borders that outline the woven designs. Colors are introduced only in the horizontal wefts and the curvilinear braids.
Questions? Contact Us! The Alaska State Museum has an outreach mandate to help provide advice and expertise to museum professionals and other caretakers of Alaskan material culture.
