Coast Salish wool weaving is the traditional style of the Pacific Northwest Indigenous Peoples, extending from Bute Inlet in British Columbia to the Columbia River in Oregon. Woven regalia and other traditional items are still highly sought after for ceremonies and celebrations. Skilled Salish textile weavers are held in high esteem as culture bearers for…
Category: Field Notes
Chronicling Washington State folklife, both current and past.
Hip-Hop Rites of Passage
Hip-Hop is an international and intergenerational cultural movement formed by youth of color in New York City during the early ‘70s in an attempt to unify street gangs, promote positivity, and empower the marginalized. Decades later, hip-hop has become a central fixture in mainstream music and continues to be one of the greatest influences for…
Henna: The Mehendi Tradition
Henna, also known as Mehendi, originates from India and is derived from a plant called Lawsonia Enermims. Although the history and origin of Henna is hard to trace, it has been used for at least 5,000 years in both cosmetic and healing capacities. Henna is most commonly used as temporary body art which stains the…