Diving Whale Chilkat Robe, 2018

Dorica Rockwell Jackson

Chilkat weaving, a complex textile weaving method, which translates the curvature of formline design into warp and weft, was all but extinct with only two known weavers remaining in 1972.

Unique to the Northwest Coast, Chilkat robes remain rare and are considered highly valued property. Traditionally woven from yellow cedar bark and mountain goat wool, robes require at least one year of prepping materials and weaving.

Jackson started learning Chilkat weaving early in the endangered art form's time of recovery and revival and is credited with being one of the first weavers to complete a contemporary Chilkat robe, a 1975 National Park Service commission. This robe's diving whale design comes from The Basketry of the Tlingit and the Chilkat Blanket by George Emmons.

Purchase of this artwork has been made possible through the generous support of the Rasmuson Foundation Art Acquisition Fund.
Ketchikan Museums
KM 2019.2.2.1