NAAXEIN • NAAXIIN • GWISHALAAYT • CHILKAT WEAVING

Model Naaxein (Chilkat Robe)

Acquired by a couple on their honeymoon in Haines, Alaska, 1926. ASM 91-7-1

New Uses for Ancient Art

By the late 19th century, the American government, in concert with missionaries, exerted considerable pressure on Natives to give up their traditional languages, ceremonies, and lifeways to become American citizens. The making of art with traditional meanings was discouraged, while art made for sale to tourists and collectors was allowed. As the traditional economy was destroyed, Native families increasingly needed cash for necessities, but few paying jobs were available due to discrimination. While making art for ceremonial use continued—sometimes “underground”—many artists also produced work for the market. “Market Art” made by master weavers was and is of the highest quality, and today is recognized as fine art collected around the world by major museums.