My people, the Kwakiutl, have lived in this part of the world before memory. The white men call it the Oregon Territory. We are simple tribes, living off the land which was often very wet or very dry. We saw no need for clothing, like the white men with their dirty and smelly coverings. But when it was cold, and for our elders' comfort, we shredded the bark of the cedar trees, and our women chewed the fibers until they were soft and pliable. The strands were held together with strips of raw hide or more bark. This covering helped with warmth and dryness.
I am the spirit of those people, both the ancient ones and those who live now. My beads are fish vertebrae, and remind me of the river's bounty. But my face is often hidden from plain sight, and I mourn for the times past.
Note from the artist: My first hand knowledge of cedar bark is nonexistent, and my chewing techniques are poor. So I used multiple strands of wool, cotton, and linen to mimic the appearance and color of cedar bark. The technqiue of twining is the same, however, and holds the cape together. Brightly colored strips of leather are added for some pizzazz.
36” x 36” x 2”
Costume on Canvas
Kelly James, Photographer - Salem, Oregon
Anne Abendroth - Artist
