More Related Items

Cowichan

Genuine Cowichan knitted products are a unique creation of the North West Coast Salish Natives. Each product has the quality of a work of art, not only in design, but also in craftsmanship. The soft warm wool used comes from sheep raised on Vancouver Island. Fleece from breeds such as Dorset, Hampshire and Suffolk provide the entirely natural colors used in authentic Cowichan products, from a creamy white, through brown, to black. The wool is lightweight and water resistant, producing a garment that is beautiful and functional. Traditionally, the wool was washed, dried, hand teased and hand carded before being spun with a spindle whorl. Today most spinners obtain their carded wool from a local Native mill and spin it into a single strand on an Indian Head spinner. Treated properly, without the aid of chemical detergents, the wool retains its natural lanolin, the oil that gives it strength and integrity and makes the sweater both warm and water resistant. The patterns in Genuine Cowichan products take their inspiration from the abundant and varied wild life on Vancouver Island, from the Eagle, Elk and Killer Whale to the Deer and Bear. Other designs have been passed on through families and some are taken from traditional Salish basketry and weaving motifs. Because each is hand crafted, no two are exactly alike. Although the same motif may be used many times, the individuality of the knitter produces variations in form and color that enhance the unique nature of these remarkable representations of the Northwest Native Culture.

More Related Items

Thunderbird

The Thunderbird is recognized by its large recurved beak and horn on top of its head, which symbolized the supernatural. Thunderbird was the most powerful of the spirits. During a storm the Thunderbird scoops up the Killer Whale. The Elders say the bones of Killer Whales have been found on mountaintops, left there by the Great Thunderbird.

In the Northwest Coast Native American culture the Thunderbird is a giant, supernatural bird, named for his habit of causing thunder and lightning. Beneath his wings he carries "Lightning Snakes," which are his weapons. Thunder rolls from the flap of his wings, and lightning flashes when he blinks his great eyes or throws the "Lightning Snakes". He is large and strong enough to hunt Killer Whales, which he strikes dead with the wolf-headed, serpent-tongued Lightning Snakes. Thunderbird carries his prey high into the mountains to feed. From his home in these great heights, he rules majestically, keeping a close watch over his dominion. Thunderbird is intelligent and proud, and humans who attempt to outwit Thunderbird are certain to have their intentions backfire!

 

Understanding Northwest Coast Art - Cheryl Shearar