In the way of the "best laid plans...," I'd intended to feature a family of Haida artisans starting with Charles Edenshaw and featuring a different member of his talented family every Thursday inasmuch as November is Native American History month. Thanksgiving Thursday altered my plan. Undaunted, I wanted very much to share a very unique and ancient Haida art.
Haida are known for their weaving in its many forms. They weave beautiful baskets, hats and all sorts of items using plant material. The weaving that takes another direction is their fabric weaving.
For one thing, no standard loom is used and for another, the entire process is done while standing. One of the most ancient forms of this type of weaving is known as "RavensTail." It's an extremely old method that requires a very laborious process. For example, an apron worn on the front of regalia can take 6 months and a full chief's robe at least one year!
As you can see from the photo, RavensTail method is a twining method, where the horizontal weft yarn spirals around the vertical warps and other wefts.Whereas in regular weaving, the wefts are plaited under and over the warps.
The other factor is that for the RavensTail, the patterns are of a geometric weaving style. Originally inspired by the other forms of weaving previously mentioned.
Rich in symbolism, this ancient art form was almost lost. One who benefited from her lineage dating back to her great,great grandmother, Isabella Edenshaw (wife of Charles and an artist in her own right)and numerous aunties and cousins, is Lisa Hageman Yahgulanaas. She has won many accolades and recognition for her weaving. (She is shown here demonstrating the RavensTail weaving method.)
If you're curious about the RavensTail method, you can find her video demonstration on her website: ravenweaver.com
Below represents Ms. Yahgulanaas and Evelyn Vanderhoop, who was her teacher and mentor.
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