Chilkat blanket

This chilkat blanket was a Coronation gift to The Queen in 1953 from the Native Brotherhood of British Columbia. Blankets like these are highly esteemed, and are worn draped around the shoulders to perform ceremonial dances and songs, or when making speeches. The design of a Chilkat blanket is traditionally prepared by a man – but, perhaps fittingly for a gift to a female Sovereign, the garment is always woven by a woman. This blanket was prepared by Abaya'a Sarah Martin. Her husband, Chief Mungo Martin, a leading Kwakwaka’wakw carver and painter, probably designed the central panel.