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This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

Woven belt with geometric design in black and red and purple on white. Design consists mainly of stripes. The ends are braided to create ties.

History Of Use

Sto:lo Elders identified this as a spirit dance sash that is worn around the waist of a dancer during winter ceremonies. It is one part of a uniform worn by the dancer on such occassions. Anthropologist Pamela Amoss notes that uniforms reflect the type of spirit seen by the dancer in his/her vision. She also observed that the costumes worn in British Columbia were generally more colourful than those worn by dancers in Washington State. Sto:lo Elders noted that this sash should not be displayed.

Specific Techniques

According to Sto:lo weaver Margaret Jimmie the straps on this belt are made with stinging nettle fibre. Nlaka'pamux Elder Minnie Peters adds that you need a lot of time to spin and weave stinging nettle, because it's really soft. The wide part of the belt is done with dyed 2-ply wool. To make double ply you spin it and then twist it together. This can be done with your fingers or you can use a weight such as a rock with a hole in the middle.

Cultural Context

spirit dancing; guardian spirit complex; ceremonial; weaving

Narrative

Dr. Raley, the presumed collector of this belt, was Principal at the Coqualeetza residential school in Sardis BC. His catalogue listed this piece as a tumpline. It is possible the piece was collected near Sardis. Not for display.

Item History

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