Weavers at Musqueam - An Introduction
Musqueam Weavers module in 'Gathering Strength Exhibit' at MOA, photo 2002.
Courtesy UBC Museum of Anthropology, photo by Cliff Lauson
The UBC Museum of Anthropology is built on Musqueam traditional territory, so we have a special relationship with the Musqueam people. Our ongoing work with the weavers at Musqueam is part of that relationship.
Many Musqueam people are accomplished weavers, making a great variety of weavings for use in ceremonies, at home, and as a source of income. The art of making large weavings was nearly lost at the turn of the century, although people continued to make small items of regalia needed for ceremonies. Since 1983, the weavers' learning paths have brought them to the Museum many times to look at old and new weavings, to share and gather information and, more recently, to offer education programmes to local schools and community groups.
Our learning path has taken us the short distance down the road to their community, to the homes and workshops of the weavers, to see their recent work and to enjoy coffee and conversation.
This source book has grown out of the "Weavers at Musqueam" digital module in the exhibit Gathering Strength: New Generations in Northwest Coast Art at the Museum of Anthropology at U.B.C. We continue our work with Musqueam weavers and have renewed old friendships with the women and men who create weavings at Musqueam. This sourcebook celebrates their work. Musqueam weavers eloquently share with us why weaving is important to them, their families and their community. Sharing their words in the form of this sourcebook also speaks to the importance of these personal histories to all of us.
We will continue to work with the weavers at Musqueam and add more of their personal stories to this sourcebook. Each year, changes will be made and components added to the "Weavers at Musqueam" module of Gathering Strength: New Generations in Northwest Coast Art.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the weavers who participated. We would also like to thank the Museum staff and interns without whose energy and skill this sourcebook, the exhibit and accompanying multi-media programme would not have been possible; and to the Musqueam Indian Band for pursing opportunities at MOA. Special thanks to Dena Klashinsky, Maria Roth, Lisa Wolff, Alexa Fairchild, Cliff Lauson, and Katherine Fairchild.
- Jill Rachel Baird & Elizabeth Lominska Johnson, 2002
The content of this website is based on the sourcebook Musqueam Weavers: Musqueam Weaving Through the Personal Stories of Weavers (MOA, 2002), created in collaboration with Jill Baird, museum staff, and the weavers at Musqueam.
