Dance Apron

Dance Apron

1996
Artist
Teri Rofkar, Tlingit, 1956-2016
Culture
Tlingit
Locale
Sitka, AK
Object
apron, dance
Medium
Wool, sea otter fur, deer hide, and deer dewclaws
Accession Number
1996.266
Credit Line
Gift of The Douglas Society and Teri Rofkar

Teri Rofkar (Chas’ Koowu Tl’aa), Dance Apron, 1996. Wool, sea otter fur, deer hide, and deer dewclaws; 15 x 32 1/2 in. Denver Art Museum: Gift of the Douglas Society and Teri Rofkar, 1996.266

Dimensions
height: 15 in, 38.1 cm; depth: 1 7/8 in, 4.7625 cm; width: 67 3/4 in, 172.085 cm; width: 32 1/2 in, 82.55 cm
Department
Native Arts
Collection
Indigenous Arts of North America
This object is currently on view

Teri Rofkar was active in the revival of Raven’s Tail weaving, an ancient form of weaving known for bold geometric patterns and subtle use of color. Rofkar based this three-panel dance apron—trimmed with sea otter fur and deer dewclaws—on an old dance apron owned by a Tlingit family from Sitka, Alaska. The patterns on the apron accentuate the dancer’s movements, and the dewclaws add a rhythmic sound to the performance.  
“I try to weave with respect for the level of quality our ancestors had in the past. At the same time it is equally important to take ownership of the patterns as we tell new stories and bring life back to the arts.”—Teri Rofkar

Known Provenance
Gift of The Douglas Society and the artist, Teri Rofkar

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