Tumpline Item Number: A8183 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Woven cotton tumpline with geometric design in red, blue, yellow and wine. Design is a horizontal zigzag. The band of the tumpline narrows at each end and warp fibres are braided to create the carrying straps. Knots have been tied at both ends.
History Of Use
Sto:lo weavers note that tumplines, like this one, are tied to baskets or bundles of cedar bark and used when both hands are needed for climbing or collecting. The woven band is worn against the forehead. Men also use these types of straps for packing deer meat home and as gun straps.
Specific Techniques
Nlaka'pamux Elder and weaver, Minnie Peters, notes that you can take these smaller weavings with you and work on them anywhere. One end should be secured above you, the other end you can tie around your waist. Then the weaver can just weave back and forth. Sticks are placed across the weaving to keep pushing it back. The "V" designs on this tumpline were made by incorporating separate material into the weaving.
Cultural Context
utilitarian; weaving
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada before 1950
- Collected in Duncan, British Columbia, Canada during 1950
- Owned by Log Cabin
- Owned by Edith Bevan Cross before July 30, 1962
- Received from Edith Bevan Cross (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) on July 30, 1962
What
- Name
- Tumpline
- Identification Number
- A8183
- Type of Item
- tumpline
- Material
- cotton fibre and dye
- Manufacturing Technique
- woven
- Overall
- height 6.7 cm, width 299.7 cm, depth 2.1 cm
Who
- Culture
- Coast Salish: Quwutsun'
- Previous Owner
- Log Cabin and Edith Bevan Cross
- Received from
- Edith Bevan Cross (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Duncan, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1950
- Collection Date
- during 1950
- Ownership Date
- before July 30, 1962
- Acquisition Date
- on July 30, 1962
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 7
- Accession Number
- 0081/0127