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Description

Rectangular wall hanging woven with wool, and dyed. The pattern is divided into two sections, each with seven columns of three diamonds. The columns have a mirrored colour pattern, from outside to centre - olive green, dark brown, light brown and off-white at centre. Above each section is a light brown zigzag from one side to the other, the lower zigzag is also outlined in dark brown, with off-white and green zigzags above and below it. The brown zigzag has a white line through it, and the green zigzag has a light brown line through it. Below the upper section is a thick horizontal band of off-white and light grey. Below the bottom section is a dotted line of grey (blue on reverse) and faded pink (dark red-pink on reverse), with horizontal repeating green triangles below. One end has a series of large open loops of off-white wool. Blue 'Salish Weaving' tag sewn to back. The colours have faded on the front of the textile.

Narrative

Purchased by Gayle Stelter from a shop in Chilliwack, c. 1973-1975. The weaving has a 'Salish Weaving' tag on it, from the Salish Weavers Guild, which operated out of Sardis between 1971-1985.

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.