Image

Silk square scarf with a row of six colorfully dressed figures facing away from the viewer and being framed by flowers. The cream background features horizontal lines and scripture patterning.
The scarf’s bottom right corner, showing a vibrant graphic rendering of red, green, and yellow flowers. The shiny cream surface has writing of numbers and the word “b. yellowtail”.
Scarf detail, showing the back of a figure with braided hair in a red dotted dress with a blue collar and belt. The background features pink lines and scripture patterning.
Scarf detail, showing the back of a long-haired, short child in a white floral dress holding hands with a taller figure. The background features pink lines and scripture patterning.
Scarf detail, showing the back of a figure with braided hair in a red patterned dress holding hands with a smaller figure. The background features pink lines and scripture patterning.
Scarf detail, showing the back of a figure with long black hair in a dress with a blue floral top and rainbow-like skirt. The background features pink lines and writing.
Scarf detail, showing the back of a figure in a yellow dotted top and floral skirt carrying a baby in a patterned container with two horn-like shapes at the top.
Scarf detail, showing the back of a figure in a dress with a white patterned top, blue skirt and sleeves, and rainbow-like cuffs. The background features pink lines and writing.
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Wakeah Jhane

Matriarch Silk Scarf

Description

Maker

Wakeah Jhane (Comanche/Blackfeet/Kiowa), artist
B. Yellowtail (established 2015), manufacturer

Title

Matriarch Silk Scarf

Year

2020

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Dimensions

Length: 96.5 cm (38 inches)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Gift of Kate Irvin

Object Number

2021.124.2

Type

Exhibition History

Exhibition History

Being and Believing in the Natural World
Perspectives from the Ancient Mediterranean, Asia, and Indigenous North America
Oct 22, 2022 – Jun 04, 2023

Label copy

On this silk scarf, Wakeah Jhane depicts five Native American women surrounded by colorful floral designs. Some of their garments also feature floral designs, a common element in clothing made by Native American women. As her title suggests, Jhane is paying homage to matriarchs, or female leaders. Women are especially revered in many Native American societies, as they create and sustain life. Note the baby in the cradleboard and the toddler holding her mother’s hand.

This work was manufactured by the woman-owned Native American fashion brand B. Yellowtail.

—SB

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This object is in copyright

Tombstone

Wakeah Jhane (Comanche/Blackfeet/Kiowa), artist
B. Yellowtail (established 2015), manufacturer
Matriarch Silk Scarf, 2020
Silk plain weave; digitally printed
Length: 96.5 cm (38 inches)
Gift of Kate Irvin 2021.124.2

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