YEIL KOOWÚ • QWĒGAL GIA’T • RAVEN’S TAIL WEAVING

Yeil Koowú Raven’s Tail Robe

Gitlaxdamks Village, Nisga’a, Tsimshian, early-mid 19th century
Loan Courtesy Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto LC

Old Menesk, chief of the Eagles of Gitlaxdamks Village, Nisga’a, wearing his headdress and robe.
Photo by Marius Barbeau, 1927. Canadian Museum of History, 69696

This robe is one of only 12 original raven’s tail robes, whole or in fragments, known to exist today. In shape, composition, and materials, the robe is within the earlier geometric tradition. However, the weaver pushes the limits of the technique by including curved elements—eyes and humanoid faces—that must have been experimental at the time of its creation. Soon after, the Chilkat technique was developed, which allowed formline to be used in a more refined way.

In 1927, the robe was purchased from Alfred Skatins at Gitlaxdamks Village of the Nisga’a people of British Columbia, and acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum shortly thereafter. Marius Barbeau, the collector, noted that “These blankets were made by the (Tlingit), of mountain goat wool. Used by Skatins in the feasts…for the last time about 30 years ago. The figures on it are not crests but conventional designs.”