I've been holding onto a link on Canada's First Peoples for a while now as I love these beautiful artifacts from The Plateau People located in the Kootenays (the southern interior of B.C.) Most people are more familiar with the art and culture of the Coast Salish and Haida people of B.C., but I'm loving the subtle and more primitive motifs from the Kootenays and Okanagan. Maybe a little bit biased as the Ktunaxa Nation (a nation within the plateau) is also Earl's family heritage.
The women of the Plateau region were skilled weavers. They wove baskets, blankets, mats, and clothing using goat's wool and bark. Most baskets were woven with geometric patterns or pictures of animals. They used beads to decorate their clothing, usually made of soapstone. They also decorated their clothing with paint. Blue squares represented a lake, red lines, the earth. Above from the top clockwise: Nlaka'pamux ceremonial headdress, Beaded necklace, Coiled basket, Nlaka'pamux leather pants, Nlaka'pamux young girl's dress, Tsilhqot'in basket and Ktunaxa dress. - Fun Fact: Check out this similar dress I found the other day.
Other common painted symbols: Red ochre lines, drawn along the seams (Earth lines) were good luck, a cross represented the sun, a blue circle represented clouds, and red dots represented stars. Above: Interior Salish mat, Beaded basket, Woven bag, Woven basket, Beaded moccasins, Nlaka'pamux woman in fur cape, Nlaka'pamux leather leggings.
Personally I find it interesting how familiar these motifs are and similar to other cultures. When I look at the mocassins and leggings for instance I see similarities to Dutch and Scandinavian design. Perhaps the result of influences once Europeans arrived. A book that might help explain which I'm currently reading: The Arts of the North American Indian: Native Traditions in Evolution, by Edwin L. Wade.
This is just a wee introduction to a beautiful culture we savour and hold dear here at our home and hopefully a touch of inspiration for you today.
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