A shirt dating back to 1875 from the Hidatsa tribe in North Dakota. Created from leather, wool cloth, ermine and horsehair. The shirt features fringe and porcupine quill embroidery. Image sourced from “Living with American Indian Art; The Hirschfield Collection” Alan J. Hirschfield with Terry Winchell
In our ongoing efforts to acknowledge our past appropriation of Indigenous arts and design; specifically the work: “Quill”, we at Coral & Tusk have chosen to support the efforts of the Wyoming Arts Council and their newly launched Native Art Fellowship. This fellowship was launched in 2021 as part of an effort to bring equitable and just funding to Indigenous Wyoming artists while also promoting the visibility of Indigenous artwork and lifeways. This aligns with our internal mission here at Coral & Tusk to make a lasting impact, by committing to a five year annual donation to this wonderful initiative.
Coral & Tusk's Quill Navy Pillow
We are keeping this appropriated item in the collection and are acknowledging the source of inspiration by committing a donation of $1,500 a year to the Native Art Fellowship through 2027, or until the Quill design is retired and no longer available for sale. We started our donation pledge in 2021 with a $5,000.00 donation that will serve as the base of the scholarship.
To learn more about the Native Arts Fellowship and how you can apply or donate to it, please visit: wyoarts.state.wy.us
This post is part of our Cultural Appropriation Statement series. To read our full statement on cultural appropriation and our open apology visit our website: coralandtusk.com/pages/reconciliation