This is just a brief introduction to traditional Dene and Metis artwork from Denendeh (N.W.T.), my inspiration for the Et’oah Ło paintings and drawings
Traditional Dene and Metis artwork includes beadwork, quillwork, embroidery, and moosehair tufting, on a variety of material including all manner of cloth and hide clothing, footwear, accessories and household items, including birchbark baskets. Floral designs are most often used, but so are geometric and representational designs. Women are the main artisans, creating beautiful items for friends and family, collectors, and the general marketplace. (continued...)
Twisted moosehair on velvet, by my Grandmother, Madeline Canadien.
The University of Calgary owns a large collection of traditional artwork from my home community of Fort Providence, collected in the 1970's. You can learn more on the history of Dene crafts and view their online collection here.
If you are in the market for these beautiful works of art, every community has some sort of retail outlet for their skilled artisans, whether it be a private enterprise like the Snowshoe Inn Gift Shop in Fort Providence and Winnie's in Enterprise, or my aunt 'Gina's Red Willow Crafts in Hay River or Fort Liard's Acho Dene Native Crafts. Acho Dene Native Crafts also has a website featuring a selection of items, including that community's specialty: birchbark baskets decorated with quillwork.
Down south, Bearclaw Gallery in Edmonton carries a selection of beautiful moosehair tuftings by Corrine Sabourin from Fort Providence. Moosehair tuftings are created by pulling dyed moose hair through material so that it sticks out, and trimming it into the desired mound shape as part of a plush floral design.
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