Native American art by Kwak'waka'wakw artist Gus Cook. s 12, 5/8" wide tapered, sterling silver with abalone eyes, original repousse and chasing. Ancient northwest coast Native Chilkat design.
Read about the Art of Repousse
The design comes from Chilkat weavings which are highly valued handmade northwest coast blankets and items of regalia. They are worn by Chiefs during ceremonial meetings and dances.
Chilkat blankets are coloured black, white, yellow, and blue. They are rectangular but with a V-shaped bottom. There is a fringe on the bottom and the two side that sways when the wearer dances. They can be worn as a shawl wrapped around the shoulders or as an apron. Chilkat weaving can also be applied to leggings, vests, headbands and purses.
A chilkat robes are very complex, made of mountain goat wool and cedar bark. Today some people use sheep’s wool. The design are northern formline composed of ovoids, U-shapes, and curved lines. The artist that create the designs are experts fully versed in northern design principles. The weaver can take a year to make one.
