tsep (Dance Apron)

The dance apron was made by Fanny (Wamiss) Henry for her mother, Susan Wamiss, who was married to Chief Tom Patch Wamiss. Fanny's husband, Samson Robertson, said the apron was worn by both Tom Patch and Susan, at potlatches Chief Wamiss gave, or that they attended. Fanny inherited the apron when her mother passed away in 1986.

ceremonial

The copper crest on the apron represents one of the coppers owned by Tom Patch Wamiss. This showed his wealth and stands for the wealth of the potlatch. The V shapes in the button design at the bottom represent how big the person is, as in "big as a mountain."

Dance apron composed of grey wool with an appliqued red cotton copper design, a band under the copper, and a red border on three sides. Buttons outline the design elements, and shells decorate the bottom of the red band. Off-white fabric with an orange-brown linear design forms the waistband and ties.