Tlingit Traditional Clothes: A Guide to their Vibrant Regalia

The vibrant and rich culture of the Tlingit people, indigenous to the Pacific Northwest, is beautifully reflected in their traditional clothing. Each garment tells a story, embodies ancestral wisdom, and symbolizes the Tlingit's deep connection to their land and heritage.

Tlingit traditional attire is characterized by its intricate design, meticulous craftsmanship, and the use of locally sourced materials. It is not just about wearing clothes; it is about carrying their history, beliefs, and identity on their sleeves.

Materials and Design

Tlingit clothing design and adaptation are intricately linked to their resources and environment. Traditionally, they used woods, animal furs, bark, and plant fibers for making their garments.

Copper Woman, Chilkat-regalia from Tlingit artist Clarissa Hudson

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two women in native clothing standing next to each other

The Tlingits were skilled weavers, using materials like cedar bark and mountain goat wool to create intricate blankets and capes. These textiles often featured geometric patterns and colors significant to their culture.

Cedar Bark Textiles

Cedar bark was the primary fiber used in Tlingit textiles. This ancient and sacred tree provided a soft, durable, and water-resistant fabric. The craft of cedar bark weaving was primarily done by women and was considered a highly valued skill.

a person in an animal costume standing on one leg and wearing boots with their legs spread out

an old black and white photo of two people standing next to each other

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Cedar bark clothing, such as blankets and capes, often depicted complex designs called 'shaperas.' These patterns held spiritual significance and were believed to possess protective powers.

Animal Fur and Furs

Furs from various animals like beaver, sea otter, bear, and mountain goat were also commonly used. Furs provided insulation and protection, and their colors and textures added to the visual appeal of Tlingit clothing.

Furs were often dyed using natural pigments extracted from plants and minerals. The craftspeople would also use fur trading beads or clutches of dried berries to embellish their designs.

an old black and white photo of a woman wrapped in a blanket with native american symbols on it

two women dressed in native american clothing standing next to each other near the water with their instruments

a woman is holding a tennis racket wrapped in a ponchy and wearing a red hat

a group of people dressed in native american clothing posing for a photo with trees in the background

Key Pieces of Tlingit Traditional Attire

Tlingit clothing is as diverse as their traditions, with each piece holding unique meanings and purposes.

Some iconic pieces include the yáx'_PRWhat ( Raven's Tail tunic), the k finish skediskyiar ( button blanket), and the iitlexi ( sockeye salmon skin skirt) - each a testament to their artistry, ingenuity, and reverence for nature.

Raven's Tail Tunic

The Raven's Tail tunic is perhaps the most renowned Tlingit garment. It is a buttonless, seamless, and fully reversible tunic, showcasing the weaver's mastery of the cedar bark weaving technique.

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The tunic's design often features an upper and lower section with complex, myth-related patterns. The wearer can flip the garment to display different designs for various occasions or meanings.

Button Blanket

button blankets are not worn as regular garments but are prestigious coverlets or capes, worn on special occasions. They are adorned with hundreds of buttons, often shell or bone, that tell a story or signify a rank within the community.

Each button can represent a Crest - mythic or historical figures, animals, or natural elements that reflect the owner's personal history and lineage.

Today, Tlingit traditional clothing remains an essential aspect of their cultural identity. It is not just a means of covering up the body but a manifestation of their history, resilience, and deep connection to the land. Modern Tlingit artists continue to create and preserve these ancient art forms, passing them down to future generations.