Having come from a family that is very active in traditional Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw culture, it is little wonder that Emily Nelson began sewing button blankets at a young age, designing appliqués of wool and felt to display family crests and beings from stories and dances. In the present lot, a Thunderbird spreads its wings across the wool, the punch of red felt over black wool further highlighted by the lines of white buttons throughout the work. Atop the Thunderbird, a pair of copper shields face each other, ready to rest on the shoulders of the robe's wearer with pride. Not to be left empty, the side panels feature a series of flowers outlined in buttons, a regular addition to Nelson's blankets.

AC