William White: My Ancestors are still Dancing
William White is one of only a handful of skilled practitioners of Chilkat and Raven’s Tail weaving on the Northwest Coast today. Although both forms of weaving have long histories among certain Northwest Coast First Nations, and symbolize inherited territories and rights, they are also powerful elements of contemporary cultural practice. William talks about his weaving in terms of its place in the ongoing ceremonial life of his people. "We weave to see them dance," he says, and points out the robes’ significance as cultural property: "Culture is just everyday living, until someone tries to take it away from you. Then you need to stand up and say, ‘This is who I am,’ and ‘This is where I’m from.’" In September 2002, William White returned to his home in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, to complete the weaving. Once the robe is finished, it will be removed from the loom in a private ceremony, and given a name. After that, the robe will join the collections of the Museum of Anthropology.
Exhibit Panorama

credits | copyright © 2002 Museum of Anthropology