Wall Hanging Item Number: 2901/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Rectangular wall hanging woven with commercial sheep's wool, dyed with natural dyes. The pattern is 21 zigzagging lines of colour in brown, greens and off-whites. One end has a series of large open loops of off-white wool. Blue 'Salish Weaving' tag sewn to back.

History Of Use

The Salish Weavers Guild was inspired by the research of amateur anthropologist, Oliver Wells. Mr. Wells, a local farmer, spent much of his 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 that operated out of the Coqualeetza Cultural Center between 1971-1985. Weavers worked together to dye and spin wool. They made weavings on commission, or brought their work in to fill orders as they were recieved.

Narrative

The weaving has a 'Salish Weaving' tag on it, from the Salish Weavers Guild, which operated out of Sardis between 1971-1985. The donor purchased the weaving from the Salish Weavers store in Coqualeetza.