Halisa Higheagle, Chehalis Tribe, is a Chehalis Master Weaver and has been serving as an apprentice to her Kiyah – Yvonne Peterson. She says of the experience – “The expectations are great, and time is of the essence! So much to learn and so much to do! Gathering, processing, sorting, weaving, listening to the stories of our ancestors told by extended family members, learning the protocol of Chehalis weavers, and teaching – are expected of me as a matter of respect and relationship. Respect and hospitality shown to weavers that come to the house and the relationship of myself to my Kiyah and extended family members are foundational to my role as an apprentice. I’ve come to appreciate baskets “talk” to one another and when a basket is completed – it is placed with older baskets so they can talk.”
Halisa (Paht se cum mah) Higheagle knows how to gather cedar bark and roots, sweetgrass, cattail, bear grass, and nettle. Processing and prepping material is critical to making baskets. A speciality for her is weaving cedar garments – tunics, skirts, capes, and vests out of cedar highlighted with raw wool, and abalone buttons. She weaves all types of baskets and is expected to teach multiple techniques and forms of weaving depending on the experience level of the student. An apprenticeship is a lifelong commitment, and she remains in-service to her Kiyah with her latest new skill set being technology.
The Cedar Storage Basket was taught to me by my aunt Haila Old Peter. A unique basket because it is plaited and only woven with yellow cedar at the final row – the ending row blends into the start of the row and hiding the weavers makes the row appear continuous. After prepping cedar, this basket must be completed in one day because the basket is shaped as you plait. The ending row is part of the ‘X’ stitch and rather than completing the X – the weaver folds it down to complete the ending row.
I’ve completed several vests and tunics for family members working under the watchful eye of my Kiyah – Yvonne Peterson and several great-aunts. Their hands help to pound cedar, prep and braid the wool yarn and help to weave and shape the final garment. I’ve selected a cedar tunic for the gallery show. Enjoy!
