Ariane Medley hinuu dii kya’ang. Dii Yaghujaanaas Yaalagang. Xay Kuyaas xaad kihl ga dii kya’ang. My name is Ariane Medley, I come from the Yaghujaanaas Raven clan, my Haida name is Precious Weaver. I come from a long line of world-renowned Haida spruce root hat and basket weavers. My great great Naanii was Isabella Edenshaw, my great Naanii was Florence Davidson, my Naanii was Primrose Adams, and my aunt and mentor is Isabel Rorick. Ancestral style Haida weaving has been a very large part of my life. Coming from a long line of weavers on both sides of my grandparents families, I have always been interested in learning and practicing all that I can. Spruce root weaving is of high importance to me as it is a very challenging process. I have spent most of my life learning and practicing weaving. Since 2010, I have been featured in exhibits on the western and eastern coasts of North America.
I grew up and currently live in the Old Massett Village on Haida Gwaii. Harvesting and preparing my own weaving materials is very personal and important to me. I weave following the classical style and practice of Haida weaving, with a Z twist and design placement. When I started Ravenstail weaving, I couldn’t afford the Ravenstail and Chilkat weaving books that have the designs to study. As a result, I created my own variations of ancestral Ravenstail weaving designs, I still use them today. I spin my own warp, and sew my own textiles, typically by hand. Learning both spruce root and wool textile weaving has helped me create original pieces for chiefs, people who partake in cultural ceremonies, and those who wear regalia when dressing for special occasions.
