Preserving the Ancient Art of Northwest Coast Basketry Through Collaborative Conservation Efforts
In short: The American Museum of Natural History is currently engaged in a major restoration of its historic Northwest Coast Hall. By partnering with Indigenous experts like Suquamish master weaver Ed Carriere, the institution is learning traditional techniques to better care for over 800 woven artifacts housed within its extensive cultural collections.
The ongoing revitalization of the Northwest Coast Hall represents a significant shift in how museums approach the preservation of Indigenous material culture. Rather than relying solely on internal academic expertise, the American Museum of Natural History has actively sought the guidance of Pacific Northwest Coast communities. This collaborative process involves deep engagement with practitioners who possess ancestral knowledge of the materials and structural methods used in traditional basketry.
Central to this initiative is the expertise of Ed Carriere, a Suquamish elder and master weaver. His involvement has been instrumental in helping museum staff understand the nuances of basket construction. Last summer, Associate Conservator Amy Tjiong traveled to Washington State to study these techniques firsthand. By observing the specific forests, marshes, and sandspits where materials are sourced and processed, the museum aims to develop more effective, culturally informed conservation strategies for the hundreds of baskets in its care.
This ambitious restoration project is supported by a diverse coalition of donors and organizations. Major funding has been provided by the Eugene V. and Clare E. Thaw Charitable Trust, alongside contributions from Lewis Bernard and the City of New York. Additional backing comes from the Selz Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, while the Institute of Museum and Library Services provided specific grant support for the conservation of painted totem poles. This broad financial foundation ensures that the museum can maintain these delicate artifacts for future generations while respecting the living traditions from which they originated.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Northwest Coast Basketry – Woven Traditions
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