Clothing:
The Haida had a variety of sources available with which to make clothing. They avoided leather in the summer, as wet conditions caused it to deteriorate rapidly. They used down from waterfowl, dog hair, wool from mountain goats, reeds, the bark of yellow and red cedar and cherry. They women were masters at weaving and created blankets, mats, capes, hats and baskets out of natural materials.
Both red and yellow cedars were very valuable in the making of clothing. When the bark was peeled from the tree, the outer layer was removed. The inner layer of bark was pliable and was shredded and processed. The result was one of two. Either the fabric was heavy and waterproof, or it was soft and comfortable. The method used depended on what the fabric would be used for.
Men wore long capes of cedar bark woven together with the wool of mountain goats. Decorative designs, such as religious or clan symbols, were woven into the garments.
Men usually went barefoot in the summer. Moccasins couldn't be used because of the heavy rains. When the heat of summer set in, men often stayed indoors and wore no clothing. If they did venture out, wide-brimmed hats were worn to protect them from the sun. In the dead of winter, moccasins were worn. Deerskin and sealskin leggings were part of the men's winter wardrobe.
Women's clothing consisted of skirts, capes and tunics made from either deerskin or cedar bark. They wore make-like headdresses for special occasions. Both men and women kept their hair heavily oiled.
Chief's clothing was more elaborate. They wore decorated wooden headdresses. These were decorated with ermine tails, shells and sea lion whiskers. The chiefs always wore expensive chilkat blankets, made from mountain goat hair and cedar bark. Each blanket required the hide of three mountain goats. Only the chief and the very wealthy of the tribe owned chilkat blankets.
Chilkat Blankets:
The men and women both played a role in the making of chilkat blankets. The men provided the mountain goat hides and designed the pattern. They also made the pattern board and loom. Women gathered the cedar bark, cleaned the wool, prepared the yarn and wove the blankets. Patterns for chilkat blankets included clan symbols in abstract designs.
Wool was taken from mountain goat hides by wetting and rolling the hide. The women removed the hair by pushing it off using their thumb and finger.
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