Weaving was a fundamental part of Coast Salish identity. Blankets made with a wool composed of mountain goat hair mixed with the hair of (now extinct) Salish Wool dogs took months or even years of work to produce. Their quality was the equal of Southwestern Navajo blankets and Northern Tlingit Chilkat blankets.
During the 19th century, cheap mass produced trade blankets gradually replaced traditional blankets. Coast Salish women filled the void by taking up knitting needles, spinning machines and sheep’s wool. Adapting designs from their woven blankets and baskets, they knit warm sweaters, socks and toques for their families. Then began them trading with non-Native neighbours.
