The Tsimshian Indians, a Woodland Indian group
living just east of the Tlingit, formed both a trading and cultural
bridge between the Northern Coastal Indians and the Woodland Indians
of the interior. The Woodland Indians extended from far eastern Canada
through the northern woods to the Yukon. They had taken up floral
decoration in early contacts with French settlers, using this motif
in stitchery, beadwork, applique and other forms. This curvilinear
floral work was highly developed among the Tsimshian, and contrasts
strongly with their geometric art still carried on from earlier times.
We offer a Tsimshian floral design bracelet and matching earrings
by a Tlingit neighbor, continuing the long standing cultural interchange
between these northern groups. |