I can still remember my Great-Grandmother and her hands reaching out to me to come to her. I always thought that memory was of her reaching out to give me a hug. But during our discussions about the Grandmothers and the Chilkat Blankets, I have come to realize that my grandmother was holding out her hands so that she could clasp my face in her hands. Marsha said that the grandmothers would reach out their hands and clasp the face of their children and grandchildren in their hands. That was the Grandmothers way of saying they loved you.
Gwen and I have both felt that it was important to learn the “why” of Chilkat Weaving in addition to the “how” of Chilkat Weaving. What is the meaning behind a robe? What should you pay attention to? What is important? Is there a meaning behind a certain shape?
Ludwig Van Beethoven said, “Don’t only practice your Art, But force your way into its Secrets….” There are stories, behind the stories, behind the stories of the Chilkat Robes. The secrets that they hold, the voices of the past that speak to us today, but you have to know what to look for, to know what you are hearing. I feel that this quote encompasses the secret desires of my heart for this journey that my sister and I are on. I want to “force (my) way into (the) Secrets (of Chilkat Weaving).”
Marsha, Gwen, and I spent time at the Alaska State Museum in Juneau. Ellen Carlee, Ph. D the Conservator at the Alaska State Museum let us study the robes. It was a very special time as we looked, measured, observed, touched (with gloves of course) the robes. Each robe has two stories they tell. The first story is often the one that everyone sees. It is the side that faces outward and is the story that is photographed.
The second story is the story of the Grandmother who made the robe. This story can be found on the back of the robe. The side that you don’t see and often isn’t photographed. Here you can see the decisions made by the weaver, where did they end, what did they tuck, was it more than one weaver who worked on the robe. You can almost hear the voice of the Grandmothers as they speak through the weavings made by their hands.
Gwen and I were blessed to see the Kiks.adi robe that was woven by our Great-Grandmother. This robe is clan owned and is still used today. It was a special moment to see the robe and then to look behind the robe and see the decisions made by our grandmother. To touch the warp that was probably made by our family members: our grandmother, Edna, our Aunt Vivian and Aunt Jenny, the wool gathered by our father, David, and his brothers Donnie and Ralph. I can’t help but hear those who have gone before cheering us on (our Aunt Vivian and Uncle Donnie are still with us).
In addition to the Robe, Ellen also pulled out one of the baskets made by our Great-Grandmother. One with a “rattle” top. Great-grandma did like her “rattle” tops. (Link should take you to a video of Gwen shaking the basket so you can hear the rattle).
Since Gwen was in Juneau, she stayed a little extra, so that she could help me pack. She also showed me the project she was working on and tried to teach me how to Chilkat Weave. Let’s just say that Ravens Tail and Chilkat Weaving are a little different. But we had fun.
I envision my great-grandmother and my father looking down at Gwen and I and encouraging us on our journey. Letting us know that they are still here, that we just need to read the stories that they have left for us to read, to force our way into the secrets.