The Longhouse at Peninsula College has a new exhibit, “Makah Traditional Regalia.” The Makah are one of our local Native American tribes, living at Neah Bay, remote and beautiful lands at the furthermost Northwest tip of the continental U.S. The exhibit features items used during Makah Days celebrations, a sort of tribal family reunion, in the month of August. This dress was on display.
I assume that this is a dance dress. It makes generous use of olive shells and beading as well as tiny abalone shell buttons.
The shells are attached so they dangle and can freely move with a dancer. The tiny shells would make a soft rattling sound with rhythmic moves plus add visual movement as a dancer steps.
It is beautiful, Kay!
A beautiful dress, the regalia is gorgeous.
Unmistakably Pacific Northwest. Very striking.