Unfinished Sweater Item Number: 1147/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Unfinished Cowichan-style knitted sweater in dark brown, grey and cream coloured wool. Consists of back and front pieces with knitting needles inserted through loops at the top of each piece. Designs are arranged in horizontal bands. The central design is a tree flanked by two deer with antlers. Pockets at front. No sleeves or collar.
History Of Use
According to Margaret Meikle: "Cowichan knitting represents a combination of European textile techniques and Salish spinning and weaving methods. From this union, new tools, techniques and designs developed over the years... Sheep were introduced to Vancouver Island in the 1850s, providing a more plentiful source of wool. Knitting by native women probably began in a number of ways shortly thereafter. The most organized instruction was provided by the Sisters of St. Ann, missionaries who came from Victoria to the Cowichan Valley in 1864 to start a school for the Indians (1987:3)." She further suggests that similar skills were being taught at missions throughout the province and that people in Coast Salish communities may also have learned from observing their non-native neighbours. Intermarriage between mainland and Island Salish groups probably also contributed to the spread of these distinctive sweaters.
Cultural Context
knitting; culture contact; economic activity
Item History
- Made by Eva Williams (Maker) in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada during 1985
- Collected in Cowichan, British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Eva Williams before November 6, 1986
- Received from Unknown (Funding source) and Eva Williams (Seller) on November 6, 1986
What
Who
- Culture
- Coast Salish: Quwutsun'
- Creator
- Eva Williams (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Eva Williams
- Received from
- Unknown (Funding source) and Eva Williams (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Cowichan, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- during 1985
- Ownership Date
- before November 6, 1986
- Acquisition Date
- on November 6, 1986
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 4
- Accession Number
- 1147/0001