Arts & Cultures Collections Database

The revival of the ancient technique of Ravenstail weaving in the 1980s was led by Cheryl Samuel, a weaver who researched the few existing robes in museum collections, described how they were made, and taught the technique at workshops throughout the region. Her students, including Haida weaver Delores Churchill, have gone on to teach others, resulting in a revival of Ravenstail weaving. Many new Ravenstail robes are worn at potlatches today.

This robe was woven by a group of Oregon weavers, all students of Cheryl Samuel. It was inspired by the "Three-Panelled Robe" in the Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography in St. Petersburg, Russia (cat. no. 2520-7), one of only 8 known complete old Ravenstail robes that survive in museum collections. The weavers of this robe were led by John Beard and included: Dawn DiGregorio, Dodie Gannett, Carol Griesmeyer, Eileen Jacobs, Alene Linehan, Fran Mazzara, Darlene Peters (S'Klallam), Paula Sauvageau, Delores Schnitzer, Betty Swinkel, and Shelly Tarbet.

"In the Spirit of the Ancestors"-Ravenstail weaving is an ancient weaving style that fell from use in the early 19th century after the more complex "Chilkat" technique was invented. The revival of Ravenstail weaving in the 1980s was led by Cheryl Samuel, a weaver who studied with Bill Holm at the Burke Museum. This robe was inspired by a piece in the Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography in St. Petersburg, Russia.