SWAIA ARTIST Profile

Shaax' Saani Pealatere

Name
Shaax' Saani Pealatere
Tribe
Tlingit and Haida Central Council Tribes of Alaska
Main Classification
Classification #2
Classification #3

SWAIA Booth History

SFIM25
PLZ 84
WIM24
SFIM24

SWAIA Highlight History

Featured in 2024
Read Here

2024 Award History

N/A
Portfolio Example & Artist Statement
Shaax' Saani Pealatere

This artwork is rooted in sustainability of Alaska Native traditions, hunts, harvests and culture. I prioritize sustainability and good intertribal trade relationships. As a skin sewist and a Tlingit woman I practice the traditional female artform of skin sewing. The artistic process begins with hides from animal skins that are the byproduct of a subsistence hunt, particularly marine mammal hunts. This allows me to directly support rural Alaska Native hunters by purchasing the materials of their harvest that they don't use. I hand process the skin, claws, intestine, bones, teeth, and feathers at home using traditional techniques. My hand tanning process uses simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, oils, soap, and many hours of meticulous scraping with an ulu. These materials are then hand stitched into art pieces including jewelry, garments, and accessories. I use a 2 needle beadwork technique as well as my own stitching techniques that I have developed over the years.

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