Chilkat and Ravenstail weavings are two of the most complex art forms in North America—and also two of the most underappreciated. The opening of Interwoven Radiance, a new exhibit at the Portland Art Museum’s Center for Contemporary Native Art, aims to change that, by finally shedding some much-needed light and attention on this beautiful and spiritual weaving tradition, carried on by women weavers.
While not as well-known as other traditional Northwest Coast art forms—most of which are traditionally made by men—Chilkat and Ravenstail weavings are certainly no less deserving of the spotlight. A tradition which originated with the Tsimshian tribe, Chilkat weaving is now practiced by traditional Tlingit weavers in the Chilkat Valley of Alaska. The distinctive pieces combine imagery from nature with familiar graphic formline art motifs common throughout Northwest Coast traditional art. More minimalistic, Ravenstail weavings are black-and-white graphic pieces inspired by geometric basketry designs from the region.