Nuu-chah-nulth Cedar Bark Painted Robe

ca 1790; painted design ca 1850

robe woven of cedar bark, nettle fiber, and mountain goat wool; later painted in colors of green, red, and black to create designs of whales, Haietlik (water serpent), and other totemic imagery; with two collection tags attached

48 x 62 inches

The cedar bark robe was first described by Cook’s expedition in 1778, noted for its rain-resistant qualities, with decorated examples reserved for high-ranking individuals. This example, acquired by Roy H. Robinson in 1925, incorporates painted motifs inspired by northern Northwest Coast Chilkat weaving, reflecting both Nuuchahnulth traditions and regional design influences. Few examples survive, as bark garments were replaced by wool trade blankets by the 19th century.

Included: a copy of Steven Clay Brown, A Treasure From a Distant Time: Nuuchahnulth Man’s Cedar Bark Cloak, c. 1790

Ex Roy Robinson Collection, ca 1925

Ex Roy Robinson Collection, ca 1925

Fragile. Some repairs.

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Danica Farnand

Vice President, Head of Department, Native American Art

[email protected]513.666.4935

Ms. Farnand has helmed the Native American Art department since its inception at Cowan's Auctions in 2003, developing it into one of the most respected and successful departments in the category. Throughout her career, Ms. Farnand has sold over $50 million in Native Art, and has created focused and curated auctions for 19th and 20th century Native works, Jewelry, and Modern and Contemporary Native and Indigenous Arts. A distinguished expert in her field, Ms. Farnand is a respected voice in the ongoing dialogue between Native American tribal groups and the collecting community regarding culturally significant objects, serving as a board member of the Authentic Tribal Art Dealers Association (ATADA) since 2019, and spearheading the effort to return a sacred Ahayu:da wooden figure to its rightful home in the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico in 2020. She has also been an appraiser on Antiques Roadshow since 2016. Ms. Farnand holds an M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Cincinnati and a B.A. in Art History from John Carroll University.

Native American Art

Nuu-chah-nulth Cedar Bark Painted Robe

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