BEADING TODAY
Beading remains a common activity for many Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in women. Seed beads are used predominantly for adornment although other materials may also be introduced into designs. The use of porcupine quills is rare. beadwork upon commencement from high school. Most beaders use materials similar to those used during the historic period. A mix of home tanned and commercially tanned hides are used as well as hides from a variety of animals. Seed Virtually all individuals wear westbeads are slightly larger than they ern-style clothing although many in- used to be and the variety in colours corporate beaded items into everyday is extensive. Commercial thread is use. These primarily include footmost common for beading but many wear, mitts, and accessories like bar- continue to use sinew, usually comrettes, earrings, and other pieces of mercially prepared, to sew hides jewellery. Other items commonly in together. use include baby belts, bags, a variety of cases and holders for lighters, iPMany women have begun to incorpoods, business and bank cards, glasses, rate a larger variety of motifs in their and more. Women also continue to sewing. Animals have become commake rifle cases although these are mon, along with the more traditional often displayed rather than used. floral patterns. Wolf and crow, the commonly accepted clan symbols in Beadwork is not exclusive to functhis area, are used frequently. In adtional items anymore. Sewers create dition some women have beaded the beaded “pictures” which are framed Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government logo and displayed. It is common for local and sometimes incorporate words graduates to receive a framed piece of into their designs.
Photo: Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Archives.