Shaker Dance Costume Item Number: A1819 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Costume made of cedar bark woven in a checker weave design. Edges are finished with smaller warps; wefts are left as a fringe. Red-brown in colour. Cape-like construction with two layers. Two panels of material hang down the front of the chest on either side of the neck with a twined cord tie attached on each side; a square, cape-like panel hangs down the back with a short cedar fringe along the bottom.

History Of Use

This costume was used in the Shaker Indian Church, which was founded in 1882 by John Slocum of Squaxin. Anthropologist Pamela Amoss notes that: "The religious expression of the Shaker Church is highly individualistic. People have their own "gifts" - special aptitudes for healing or prophecy or vision - given them by the Holy Spirit. Many members have revealed to them in a vision or dream a special outfit which they wear to Shakes [gatherings] (1978:145-146)."

Iconographic Meaning

The cedar tree is associated with cleansing and purification in Coast Salish worldview, properties which may also be inherent in this costume made of cedar bark.

Cultural Context

ceremonial

Item History

What

Name
Shaker Dance Costume
Identification Number
A1819
Type of Item
costume
Material
cedar bark
Manufacturing Technique
twined
Overall
height 123.0 cm, width 68.0 cm, depth 2.0 cm

Who

Culture
Coast Salish: Saanich
Previous Owner
George Henry Raley
Received from
H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and George Henry Raley (Seller)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
British Columbia, Canada
Collected in
Saanich, British Columbia, Canada

When

Collection Date
between 1893 and 1934
Ownership Date
before November 1948
Acquisition Date
during November 1948

Other

Item Classes
basketry
Condition
fair
Current Location
Case 4
Accession Number
1960/0206