Wall Hanging Item Number: 3632/2 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Small rectangular weaving with decorative panel down centre; left and right sides of hanging bordered with white bands. Panel has alternating stripes in white and light pink; cream lines in between each set of stripes. Sets of two small triangles in centres of stripes; triangles in white stripes pointing down, triangles in pink pointing upward. Large dark brown triangles point inward from either side of stripes. Blue 'Salish Weaving' tag sewn to back.
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 sell from the center.
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.