To produce this book, Cheryl Samuel travelled to Leningrad, Copenhagen, and London to examine the six robes in Europe. She also studied the robes housed in museums in Canada and the United States. In 1985, she reconstructed Chief Kotlean's robe, using information she had gathered from her study of the actual robes and Tikhanov's paintings. In the process, she resurrected an old weaving style no longer used by the Native people on the northern coast. Through her extensive and careful research, Cheryl Samuel makes an important contribution to the knowledge of early Indian weaving.

Cheryl Samuel's profile page

Cheryl Samuel is an expert weaver living in Victoria, British Columbia. Her first book, The Dancing Blanket, revealed the mysteries of Chilkat weaving.

The Raven's Tail is a beautiful compilation with excellent photographs and detailed drawings depicting the complexity of a previously forgotten art form. The book is written in such a way to intrigue both artisan and historian ... Has added to our knowledge of Northwest Coast Indians.

Alaska History

A definitive work on a specific Northwest Coast technical achievement and brings new insight into the richness of Northwest Coast noble regalia. We are all indebted to the dedication, perseverance, skill and loving attention that Cheryl Samuel has brought to her chosen task.

American Indian Art Magazine

The Raven's Tail is an outstanding book which broadens understanding about this ancient form of weaving. The author is devoted to passing on the information on these fabulous textiles to inspire a new generation of weavers on the Northwest coast. This work serves not only to document the past, but also to shape the future.

Ethnoart Index