Coast Salish weaving

SQ3Tsya'yay isn't as hard to say as it may look.

Pronounced "cut-see-ya-ya," it's the written form of the words in the Twana language of the Coast Salish people meaning "weaver's spirit power," the ability to design and weave materials in the Salish tradition.

The SQ3Tsya'yay exhibit opening this Sunday at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma celebrates the revival of the nearly lost art form of the Coast Salish tradition.

For the past 40 years, only three fiber weavers had the knowledge and skills to produce the traditional wool and plant-fiber blankets, robes and vests. In recent years, apprentices of these remaining weavers have been learning their ways to ensure that their tradition is passed on to future generations.

Throughout the history of the Coast Salish tribes, wool was a scarce commodity gathered once a year from shedding wild mountain goats, then processed and woven by the tribes' master textile weavers.

A relatively unknown art form for many years, weaving was as highly esteemed as carving skills in Salish culture. The woven blankets and clothing were usually given as prestigious gifts during ceremonial occasions.

The exhibit of shawls, robes, blankets and historical and contemporary looms continues through July 16. Family Day activities this Sunday include weaving demonstrations, and the museum, usually closed on Mondays, will be open special holiday hours, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. this Monday. Regular hours at the museum at 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 888-238-4373 or see www.washingtonhistory.org.

— Madeline McKenzie, Seattle Times staff