“Copper Woman”

Chilkat & Ravenstail 5-piece ensemble

Collection of the Anchorage Museum of History and Art, Alaska
Wool, cedar bark, copper thread, copper cones, abalone shell, ermine skins. leather, Copper chain. ©2002 Clarissa Rizal

This dance regalia was inspired by a range of international influences: the Hawaiian dancers (long “hula” fringe on the dance apron), the Seminole Indian women’s capelets, and the dreadlocks” worn by the Jamaican people. I drew up the initial sketch for this dance regalia in 1992. In between all my other commitments, family and projects, this entire Chilkat and Ravenstail ensemble was 10 years in the making, finally completed in 2002.

“Copper Woman” won the Best of Show award at both the 2001 Indian Market at the Heard Museum in Phoenix Arizona, and at the first Sealaska Juried Art Show in 2002. In 2003, “Copper Woman” became the collection of the Anchorage Museum of History and Art.