For Immediate Release
May 4, 2021
Juneau
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.
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:
Tune in to the livestream dedication of The Spirit Wraps Around You: Northern Northwest Coast Native Textiles (SWAY) exhibit. This program is offered virtually due to COVID-19 capacity restrictions.
Due to COVID-19 mitigation measures, a limited number of visitors are allowed in the galleries to maintain social distancing. Please call the museum at 465-2901 to reserve a time to visit.
Space is limited. Please pre-register at https://library-alaska.libwizard.com/f/SWAY-lectures or call the museum at 465-2901.
Additional funding to support this program is being solicited by the Friends of the State Library, Archives and Museums (FOSLAM). Contributions may be made through the FOSLAM website (please specify “SWAY Exhibit”).
Media Contact:
Patience Frederiksen
Director, Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums
907.465.2911
patience.frederiksen@alaska.gov
lam.alaska.gov
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