Tunique cérémonielle de danse ,Haïda,Colombie Britannique, Côte nord-ouest

en toile de laine rouge, dont le décor cousu en toile bleue représente une baleine tueuse surmontant une créature zoomorphe - probablement une otarie - les motifs bordés de boutons en coquillage blanc.

Collection Thomas Alexander III, St Louis, MO

Reproduite dans :
Janet Catherine Berlo, "A New Eloquence : Nothwest Coast Indians' Button Blankets", Piecework Magazine, janvier-février 1995

The tunic is in very good original condition with wear consistent with its age, slightly heavier around the neck opening. The fabric has some minor fading. It is Haida or Tlingit.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Selon Holm (1984 : 61), « dans les dernières années du XVIII^e siècle, avec l'introduction de la toile de laine par les marchands européens et euro-américains, le costume cérémoniel des indiens de la Côte nord-ouest a entamé une évolution qui culminera avec la cape blasonnée (button blanket). Un animal emblématique façonné en flanelle était habituellement appliqué, et son contour souvent souligné par des boutons en nacre irisée ».  

A Haida ceremonial dance tunic, British Columbia, Northwest Coast

According to Holm (1983: 61) 'with the introduction of woolen cloth by European and Euro-American traders in the last years of the eighteenth century, ceremonial dress of the Northwest Coast tribes began a change that culminates in the development of the button blanket. A crest animal was usually worked out in flannel appliqué, often outlined in iridescent mother-of-pearl buttons'.