Shaker Dance Costume

Item number A1820 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Costume made of cedar bark woven in a checker weave design; 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 braided 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.