Woven Ways: The Gift of Coast Salish Basketry

Cedar, a gift from the Creator, has provided for Coast Salish people in countless ways. For generations, Coast Salish peoples have woven baskets from materials gathered from the land with care and deep respect. This exhibit explores the art, science, and spirit of Coast Salish basketry, honoring both the knowledge passed through hands across time and the gift of the cedar tree.

Visitors will journey through the full life cycle of a basket — from the harvesting of materials to the intricate processes of preparation and weaving. Tools used by weavers, traditional techniques, a wide array of basket types are showcased, revealing how function and artistry are woven together.

At the heart of this exhibit are Tulalip weavers — ancestors, elders, and present-day artists who have sustained and revitalized these traditions. Through their work and teachings, basketry continues to thrive as a living practice. Visitors will learn how contemporary Tulalip weavers are reclaiming knowledge, mentoring younger generations, and adapting old ways to modern life.