Royal Replacements: Ermine
On the headdresses of Tlingit chiefs and robes of European kings, the skins of ermine with black-tipped tails trail royalty. In exchange, glass beads and wool came into the territory. Beadwork replaced the quills of porcupines for embellishing garments and possessions. The geometric quillwork gave way to the curved lines of colorful seed beads creating flowers, seaweed, animals. Leather clothing was replaced with wool and cloth.
Porcupine quills, glass beads, wool, leather, thread, ermine form, glass eyes, driftwood
