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Artworks
UNIDENTIFIED TLINGIT ARTIST, CHILKAT KWAAN
Child's Robe, c. 1920swoven wool, dye, and cedar bark, 30 x 29 in (76.2 x 73.7 cm), measurements reflect dimensions with fringePOAFurther images
This child-sized Chilkat style woven robe displays a design of indeterminate identity, a common feature of smaller robe designs, which are too small to support the typical level of detail....This child-sized Chilkat style woven robe displays a design of indeterminate identity, a common feature of smaller robe designs, which are too small to support the typical level of detail. Nonetheless it is divided into a central and two lateral design areas, each of which displays a simplified yet satisfying arrangement of design elements including eyes and paired U-shapes.
In the central design panel, the placement of eyes and a mask-like face suggest a complete being, including ears. However, these eyes are not set within an ovoid as is the usual case in a formline design. Careful examination also reveals that there is no distinct mouth structure or other details present in a true formline face. When worn, however, the design would appear more complete than it does spread out flat, which was surely within the intent of the pattern board painter.
Other than a slight difference in the length/width proportions common to most Chilkat-style robes, this diminutive example expertly represents the weaving tradition and all robes large and small that have come before it.
Steven C. Brown
References: See Cheryl Samuel, The Chilkat Dancing Blanket, (Norman: Univ. of Oklahoma Press, 1990); page 203 of this book features a photograph of a four-year-old girl wearing a child’s dancing blanket. See also the section on Chilkat blankets in George Thornton Emmons and Frederica de Laguna, The Tlingit Indians, (AMNH and Univ. of Washington Press, 1991) pp. 224-233.
Provenance
Collection of John and Joyce Price, Seattle, WA.1of 5