Artist Profile | Alison Bremner

As you may or may not know, I love meeting and getting to know new artists. I love how they see the world - how they envision and re-vision it. A new artist on my radar is Alison Bremner. She is a Tlingit artist born and raised in Southeast Alaska, and currently working in the Seattle area. She was recently selected to design the 2014 SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market merchandise. Beyond Buckskin is also working with her to get her jewelry available on the Boutique site - so stay tuned for that!

In the mean time, scroll down to read our interview with her, in which she shares some fun and candid responses.

Designer Profile | Paul Rowley

We've got a brand new artist on the Beyond Buckskin Boutique site and he's a really cool dude named Paul Rowley.

He's Haida and Tlingit and he creates cool hats in classic fashion forms using traditional cedar bark weaving techniques.

It's an honor to add him to the roster of artists on BBB, and I got the opportunity to ask him some questions about what he does. So here you go folks, meet Mister Rowley:

Some History | Tlingit Armor

It's time to go beyond buckskin and take a look at some armor. In many Native communities, specialty armor was constructed to provide physical protection on the battlefield. Oftentimes this armor was imbued with spiritual protection as well. These symbolic qualities were viewed as being even more powerful than the physical aspects.

One of the coolest examples of Native American warrior gear is Tlingit armor. Tlingit warriors wore battle helmets depicting crest animals or ancestors, along with wooden visors, thick leather tunics, and body armor covered with wooden slats or coins. This battle attire combines technology, ingenuity, and symbolic power and protection.

The walrus-hide body armor (left), which dates from 1800-1830, is covered with Chinese coins.

Save Us From Our Followers

"New Tlingit 'Encyclopedia' Baffling to Scholars, Speakers"

I have no words.. just a link! Click here.

This stuff still goes on? Of course... this is a prime example of why it is important for us to command our cultures ship. Here is a photo..

(This link was brought to you by Indian Nick.)