Hazel Wilson was a contemporary button robe artist who expanded the visual language of classic robes with three dimensional forms and a wide variety of materials appliquéd and collaged into her complex designs. In the recent book Glory and Exile: Haida History Robes of Jut-ke-Nay Hazel Wilson, the authors emphasize her commitment to visual stories and the documentation of events mostly relating to the transformation of the Haida World including the environmental, political, and artistic changes that have occurred over recent history. [1]

Traditional button robes were based on the Hudson’s Bay trade blankets made from melton cloth. They have a central appliquéd crest form with additional forms on the borders and are outlined with abalone shell buttons. The buttons were influenced by the highly decorated coats worn by sailors. These robes were more accessible and affordable than the elaborate woven robes that were often reserved for nobility, therefore allowing many people to attend ceremonies wearing their crests. Modern robes are, of course, also made as fine art. Hazel Wilson chose to make deeply personal robes that told Haida stories and were also vibrant and detailed, and worthy of a feature wall.

The Golden Spruce was an anomaly tree with golden foliage that stood for hundreds of years on the banks of the Yakoun River on Haida Gwaii and held spiritual significance to the Haida. It was cut down as a political statement on over-logging in 1997. Tree of Life is an early example of the many robes Hazel Wilson created to celebrate this remarkable tree.

Gary Wyatt