An in-depth study of rare robes, woven over two hundred years ago by
the Aboriginals of the Northwest Coast of North America, painstakingly
researched over years.
Description
To produce this book, Cheryl Samuel travelled to Leningrad, Copenhagen,
and London to examine the six robes in Europe. She also studied the
robes housed in museums in Canada and the United States. In 1985, she
reconstructed Chief Kotlean's robe, using information she had
gathered from her study of the actual robes and Tikhanov's
paintings. In the process, she resurrected an old weaving style no
longer used by the Native people on the northern coast. Through her
extensive and careful research, Cheryl Samuel makes an important
contribution to the knowledge of early Indian weaving.
Reviews
The Raven's Tail is a beautiful compilation with excellent photographs and detailed drawings depicting the complexity of a previously forgotten art form. The book is written in such a way to intrigue both artisan and historian ... Has added to our knowledge of Northwest Coast Indians.
- Nora Shew
A definitive work on a specific Northwest Coast technical achievement and brings new insight into the richness of Northwest Coast noble regalia. We are all indebted to the dedication, perseverance, skill and loving attention that Cheryl Samuel has brought to her chosen task.
- Bill Holm
The Raven's Tail is an outstanding book which broadens understanding about this ancient form of weaving. The author is devoted to passing on the information on these fabulous textiles to inspire a new generation of weavers on the Northwest coast. This work serves not only to document the past, but also to shape the future.
- Steve Henrikson