The Canadian Museum of Civilization's exhibition Threads of the Land: Clothing Traditions from Three Indigenous Cultures featured clothing and related items from the Copper and Caribou Inuit (Northwest Territories), the NLaka'pamux (British Columbia Interior) and the Dene (Northern Athapaskans of the Northwest Territories). Three hundred artifacts, drawn mainly from the Canadian Museum of Civilization's extensive collections, were complemented by photographs, paintings, wall-hangings, and videos.
The exhibition was presented at the Museum from February 2, 1995 to September 14, 1997.
Each section of the exhibition tells many stories about human adaptation to the land, about the need for self-adornment, and about personal and group identities revealed through dress. Threads of the Land also explores the ways in which the materials, styles, and decoration of clothing in these three aboriginal cultures have changed through time.
Consultation with the people whose heritage is represented in the exhibition has been integral to its development. The consultative process has been an enjoyable and rewarding aspect of this project, and we are deeply grateful to all who shared their knowledge and experiences.
1a, 1b. The Copper and Caribou Inuit | |
2. The NLaka'pamux | |
3. The Dene |
exhibition photos | related products | suggested reading
Production: Judy Hall, Leslie Tepper, Judy Thompson, Stephen Alsford
Artifact photos: Richard Garner
Exhibition photos: Steve Darby
Created: May 5, 1996. Last update: September 9, 2002 © Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation |