Jacket Item Number: 1057/3 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Hide jacket with bead work and fringe. The jacket has a short standing collar, long cuffed sleeves and centre opening with hook and eye closures. On the front is a deep ‘U’ shape beneath the collar with a beaded floral motif on black appliqué fabric. There are two pockets on the lower front. There are beaded patches on the front, pockets, shoulders and upper back. Patches include floral motifs, fish skeleton and rectangular shapes. There is fringe on the ‘U’ shape, sleeves and upper back. There are braids of brown hair attached to the back of each shoulder. The inside is unlined.
Narrative
The jacket was said to have been owned by the donor's father, G.E. Wellburn, and that it had been collected in Cowichan. The bead designs and construction indicate a Cree or Metis maker/origin. Unclear if it was traded into the Quwutsun' community, or purchased in a trade store in Cowichan by the father? The donor lived in the area outside of Duncan.
Specific Techniques
A researcher noted (2023) that the beadwork along the opening and shoulders appears to be Metis, whereas the other work may be Cree? The embroidery patches appear to be older than the beadwork, based on the age of the silk and hide (the embroidery is refered to as grey nun-style). Perhaps the Metis beadwork was original to the jacket, with the patches added later.
Item History
- Made in Canada during 1900
- Collected in Cowichan, British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by G. Vernon Wellburn before October 7, 1985
- Received from G. Vernon Wellburn (Donor) on October 7, 1985
What
Who
- Culture
- Metis and Cree
- Previous Owner
- G. Vernon Wellburn
- Received from
- G. Vernon Wellburn (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Canada
- Collected in
- Cowichan, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- during 1900
- Ownership Date
- before October 7, 1985
- Acquisition Date
- on October 7, 1985
Other
- Item Classes
- beadwork
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 1057/0003