'Spirit of the Ancestors' - This apron is the only contemporary Chilkat style weaving in the Burke's collection, and was woven by the only male Native weaver known to use this technique. Many believe that Tsimshian women originated this complex technique of weaving in the late 18th or early 19th centuries. This apron depicts a Raven with its wings outstretched.

The paint is black, white, red, and yellow.

Spirit of the Ancestors-All Northwest Coast people have traditions of giant, often malevolent human-like creatures that dwell in the dark wilderness and occasionally interact with humans. The Dzoonokwa is the archetypical monster-giant of the Northwest Coast. Sometimes described as an eater of human flesh or a stealer of children, she also can be the bestower of power and wealth. For those whose ancestors have met and bested her, the privilege of representing the Dzoonokwa in carved post, mask, and dramatic performance is a prized privilege. - Bill Holm

The paint is black, gray, orange, red, white, and green.