Customer Reviews

The Raven's Tail

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There is a famous portrait of Katlian, Chief of the Kiksatti Clan of the Tlingit Indians of Sitka, Alaska, that shows him wearing a blanket of a design otherwise lost. Weaver Cheryl Samuel spent around a year trying to replicate the pattern, which she named "Raven's Tail." It is a bold black-and-white symmetrical design completely unknown today. The book is a result of Ms. Samuel's research. It is well-illustrated with photographs of her work. She not only finally managed to weave a blanket but since has traveled within Southeastern Alaska and down to British Columbia to demonstrate the technique to other weavers. There is an up-date to this; only a few weeks ago (July, 1998) a tiny sample of an actual blanket was discovered during an archaeological dig in Sitka, Alaska. To add to the excitement, another, larger piece has been discovered nearby. These show, on preliminary examination, a complete vindication of the author's technique. The only drawback to the book is the sometimes confused writing. Overall, an important book in the study of NW textiles, affirmed by the discovery of actual pieces.