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MOOSE HAIR TUFTINGS

Tufting is a traditional method, amongst the Dene of the Northwest Territories, to decorate clothing. The process is time consuming; however, the results are spectacular.

The hair is collected from the Moose's winter coat. The hair, which has to be white in colour, is removed from the center of the back and is sorted, washed and dyed. Traditionally, dyes were created from berries and leaves; however, commercially produced dyes are often, but not always, utilized today.

Once preparation of the hair is complete, it can then be sewn onto a velvet backing. The design is first drawn onto the backing, by hand, with a paintbrush and a flour/water mixture. The hair, typically in bunches of 15 to 20, are placed in position on the pattern. A stitch is wrapped around the hair and knotted. Once the stitch has been tightened, the hair stands up and is trimmed, giving the piece its final form.