In the Spirit of the Ancestors is opening with a great celebration this Saturday, which means that our handy prep crew here at the Burke is nearly done with the installation. I got to sneak a preview of the exhibit today, and I have to say, it’s looking amazing.
There was something indefinably moving about seeing the masks and robes up-close just before the protective glass was installed. They seemed somehow larger and more powerful. It was also a first for me to see all the styles and types of masks together in one place to compare and contrast.
But even as fabulous as all that was, I still fell prey to one of my
girly obsessions: my favorite objects were the woven basketry shoes by Haida weaver Lisa Telford. Not only were they adorable, but they’re artful too. How many people do you know who can craft a pair of cedar bark high heels with their own two hands? These are a must see! Although, you know, everything else was pretty amazing too.
