Traditional Blankets and Crests

Traditional Blankets and Crests

Traditional blankets and crests are central expressions of Tsm’syen identity, authority, lineage, and territorial rights. They are not decorations — they are legal, political, and spiritual symbols governed by ayaawx.

What a Crest Represents

A crest is the visual expression of a Wilp’s identity. It represents:

• Ancient encounters and adaawx
• Territorial claims
• Lineage authority
• Rights earned through history
• Responsibilities that must be upheld

Crests belong to the Wilp, not to individuals. A person may wear a crest only if they are a recognized member of the Wilp through bloodline or proper adoption.

Crest Origins (Adaawx)

Each crest originates from a specific adaawx. These histories may involve:

• Encounters with supernatural beings
• Transformations
• Acts of survival or victory
• Claims to specific territories (lax’yip)
• Gifts or permissions granted to the ancestors

Because crests are rooted in history, they cannot be invented, borrowed, or altered.

Rights to Use a Crest

Rights to a crest include:

• Wearing it on blankets
• Painting it on regalia or bentwood boxes
• Displaying it on posts or totem poles
• Using it in dances, songs, and feasts

Only those with Wilp recognition may carry a crest. Unauthorized use is a violation of ayaawx.

Traditional Blankets

Blankets are more than clothing — they are legal garments of identity and rank.

Types include:

• Chilkat blankets
• Button blankets
• Clan or Wilp regalia blankets
• Raven’s Tail woven blankets

Each blanket:

• Displays the crest(s) of the wearer’s Wilp
• Confirms their role or status in feast law
• Acts as a public declaration of who they represent

A blanket is often the most valuable object a person owns, not for money but for meaning.

Blankets as Legal Garments

Blankets play roles in:

• Name feasts
• Chief-making feasts
• Adoptions
• Marriages
• Territorial declarations
• Funeral and memorial ceremonies

When a blanket is worn:

• The Wilp stands behind the wearer
• The crest speaks for the house
• The actions of the person are tied to the lineage they represent

The blanket is considered a shield of honour and responsibility.

Making a Traditional Blanket

Creating a blanket is a sacred act. It requires:

• Permission from the Wilp
• Correct crest design
• Knowledge of formline rules
• Cultural guidance from weavers or elders

Materials may include:

• Wool
• Mountain goat hair
• Cedar bark (for older weaving forms)
• Buttons (shell, abalone, or modern substitutes)
• Appliqué materials

The blanket must follow established lineage designs and motifs.

Formline (Ovoids, U-forms, S-forms)

Formline is a visual language. Its elements include:

• Ovoid shapes
• U-forms
• S-forms
• Split-U designs
• Tapered formline

These are not artistic preferences — they are law-guided symbols passed through generations. Improper formline breaks the meaning of the crest.

Who Can Wear a Blanket

A blanket is worn by:

• Members of the Wilp
• Holders of names
• Chiefs and speakers
• Individuals acting on behalf of the house

Children may wear simplified blankets for:

• Hlgu Ḵ’uuyem (children’s feasts)
• Teaching occasions
• Cerem*