Exam 27: Art of the Americas After 1300

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Among the Northwest Coast peoples, which include various indigenous groups such as the Haida, Tlingit, Tsimshian, Kwakwaka'wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Coast Salish, certain textiles were highly valued and held great prestige. These textiles were not only practical in terms of warmth and protection but also served as important cultural symbols and were often associated with wealth, status, and ceremonial use.

The most prestigious textiles among these communities were:

1. Chilkat Blankets: These are among the most famous textiles produced by the Tlingit and other Northwest Coast peoples. Chilkat blankets are woven from mountain goat wool and cedar bark and are known for their intricate designs and complex weaving techniques. The designs often depict traditional stories and crests that are significant to the wearer's clan.

2. Button Blankets: These are wool blankets adorned with mother-of-pearl buttons, creating bold crest designs. Button blankets are used in ceremonial contexts, such as potlatches, dances, and other important gatherings. They are a relatively newer form of art, emerging after European contact when trade introduced new materials like wool cloth and buttons.

3. Ravenstail Weavings: Preceding the Chilkat blankets, Ravenstail weavings are another form of textile art that was highly regarded. These textiles are characterized by geometric patterns and were typically made from mountain goat wool. They were used for robes, aprons, and bags.

4. Spruce Root and Cedar Bark Baskets: While not textiles in the traditional sense, these baskets were intricately woven and served both utilitarian and ceremonial purposes. They were often waterproofed and could be very finely crafted, indicating the high skill level of the weaver.

5. Wool Blankets and Robes: Before the introduction of commercial wool, the indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast spun wild mountain goat wool and sometimes dog hair to create blankets and robes. These textiles were often dyed with natural substances and could be quite elaborate.

The creation and use of these textiles were deeply embedded in the social and ceremonial life of the Northwest Coast peoples. The patterns and motifs used in these textiles were more than just art; they were expressions of identity, lineage, and social status, and they played a crucial role in storytelling and preserving the history and mythology of the people.