Indigenous Art of the Northwest
- Posted on
- 0

People have many questions about Cowichan sweaters. In this article we answer some of the most common.
The Cowichan Sweater is an iconic First Nation Clothing item with a fascinating history. Warm, water resistant, the Cowichan Sweater is an ideal garment for coastal BC and became a symbol for British Columbia. Canadian Prime Ministers, US Presidents, Hollywood stars, and members of the British Royal family have all been photographed wearing Cowichan sweaters.
Traditionally, Northwest Coast Native crests represents clans. Chiefs and clan members carve and paint their crest symbols on houses, canoes, clothing, boxes and utensils. A Chief may posses many different crests. A Crest is usually a supernatural being or the supernatural aspect of an animal. Crests, along with songs, stories, dances and other property were acquired by humans during supernatural experiences, and were then handed down to their descendants. During early times, humans, animals and other beings transformed into one another. Today, crests also have more contemporary meanings.