Arrow Sash Item Number: 3148/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Finger woven red belt with multi-coloured pattern. The sash, or belt, is long and woven with lines of short diagonal stripes in blue, green and yellow on a bright red background. The wool is plaited into thick cords at each end, with the threads left long and unbraided.

History Of Use

The ceinture fléchée (also known as "L'Assomption sash" or "arrow sash") refers to this particular type of colourful woven sash. A traditional part of French-Canadian clothing of the 19th century, it was used by men to tie around their waists over jackets or coats. The Métis also wear them as part of their traditional regalia.

Narrative

In 1966-67 the donors' mother was engaged to James Haining who, at that time, was the area administrator of Igloolik/Hall Beach. During that period she acquired a number of Inuit artifacts. This sash appears to be a typical Metis style arrow sash, but it may have been acquired in an Inuit community?