Cape

A cape constructed of black gopher fur and trimmed in ermine fur

Red felt runs along the edges and down the back of the cape. It is embellished with abstract, floral and avian designs carried out in gold, black, white, blue, and green beads. It is lined in a plaid fabric.

This cape was made by the famed Kate Carmack, wife to George Carmack, the disputed discoverer of gold in the Klondike. The beautiful cape was made in a mix of First Nations and European styles. Kate was Tagish and was raised with traditional sewing skills. This cape is an example of her fine craftsmanship. The pattern of the cape and the material for the plaid are undoubtedly European in origin, however, the beading and the felt along the fur hide is First Nations inspired. Kate probably made this cape after returning from the United States in 1900 where she would have seen many capes of this style. The demi length cape was a common overcoat for women at the time as they experienced a resurgence of popularity during the later part of the nineteenth century. Original owner: Kate Carmacks, the wife of George Carmack, co-discoverer of gold on Bonanza Creek.