Blanket Item Number: 1728/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Rectangular woven blanket. In the centre are five rows of green diamonds on white ground, separated by solid brown lines. Around the edges is a border alternating squares of orange-brown solid and black-white diagonal lines.

History Of Use

The Salish Weavers Guild was inspired by the research of amateur anthropologist, Oliver Wells. Mr. Wells, a local farmer, spent quite a bit of time interviewing his Sto:lo neighbours about their history and cultural traditions, while making collections of cultural objects - many of which are now in the Chilliwack Museum. During the 1960s, Wells became especially interested in Salish loom weaving and, with the assistance of Mary Peters of Seabird Island, helped to organise a local guild which was based at Coqualeetza in Sardis BC. Weavers worked together to dye and spin wool. They made weavings on commission, or for sale.

Cultural Context

weaving; contemporary art

Narrative

Sto:lo weaver Frieda George notes that this blanket was made in a tight weave that is typical of Mary Peters' style. The weaving has a 'Salish Weaving' tag on it, from the Salish Weavers Guild, which operated out of Sardis between 1971-1985, however the donor said she added the tag after purchasing it.

Item History

What

Name
Blanket
Identification Number
1728/1
Type of Item
blanket
Material
wool fibre and dye
Overall
height 193.5 cm, width 95.0 cm

Who

Culture
Coast Salish: Sto:lo
Creator
Mary Peters (Maker)
Previous Owner
Jean Fahrni
Received from
Jean Fahrni (Donor)

Where

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

When

Creation Date
during 1961
Collection Date
during 1961
Ownership Date
before December 30, 1996
Acquisition Date
on December 30, 1996

Other

Item Classes
textiles
Condition
good
Accession Number
1728/0001