Milton Cloth, Fur, Abalone, Goat Hair

Milton Cloth, Fur, Abalone, Goat Hair

INITIATION DRAFT — Ayaawx and cultural teachings regarding traditional regalia materials used to express lineage, wealth, authority, and ceremonial rights.

Overview

Milton cloth, fur, abalone, and mountain goat hair are not simply materials used in regalia. Under Tsm̱syen ayaawx, they are **legal indicators of rank, wealth, House authority, and ceremonial permission.** Wearing or displaying these materials carries meaning that must be understood and respected.

These items appear most often in:

• button blankets,
• headdresses,
• dance regalia,
• crest displays,
• and public feasting events such as li’ligit or luulgyit.

Milton Cloth

Milton cloth (also called “broadcloth” or “trade cloth”) was introduced during the early fur trade. It quickly became a preferred material for ceremonial regalia because of its:

• durability,
• rich colour,
• prestige,
• and association with wealth.

Under ayaawx:

• only those with lawful authority may wear crested blankets made from Milton cloth,
• the colour and cut may signal lineage or event type,
• the cloth itself can serve as a form of wealth distribution during Gwiikxw.

Milton cloth blankets often protect crest rights, name rights, and House stories.

Fur

Fur was used long before contact and continues to hold cultural significance. Furs such as:

• sea otter (historically),
• marten,
• beaver,
• wolf,
• or bear

carry symbolic meaning depending on the crest, clan, and region.

Ayaawx principles:

• Fur placed on regalia signals dignity, protection, and wealth.
• Certain furs may only be worn by specific House leaders or ranks.
• Improper use of fur can be a breach requiring correction (ha’lidzap).

Abalone

Abalone shell is one of the most recognizable markers of wealth among coastal Nations. Its shimmering colour symbolizes:

• prestige,
• spiritual blessing,
• lineage continuity,
• and the authority of the House.

Abalone is used for:

• mask inlays,
• rattles,
• headdresses,
• dance aprons,
• button blankets.

Ayaawx notes:

• Abalone is never used casually.
• It marks regalia belonging to smgyigyet (nobility).
• It cannot be added to regalia without permission from the House matriarchs (sigyidm hana̱'a̱).

Mountain Goat Hair

Mountain goat hair was historically a luxury item — rare, difficult to collect, and used to create:

• dancing aprons,
• headdresses,
• tassels and fringes,
• specialized garments for high-ranking people.

Ayaawx teachings:

• The presence of goat hair signifies an elevated role in ceremony.
• It is often connected to ancient House privileges and specific adaawx.
• Youth must be taught never to touch or play with regalia containing goat hair without permission.

Legal Meaning Under Ayaawx

All four materials serve as:

• **visual law**,
• **proof of wealth and lineage**,
• **evidence of rightful authority**,
• **signals that witnesses should pay attention**,
• **markers of who is allowed to carry a crest or story publicly.**

Their use is never for decoration alone.

Responsibilities of the Wilp

A House must:

• protect regalia containing these materials,
• store them properly,
• ensure they are worn only by those with lawful right,
• replace them when damaged,
• and correct misuse when it occurs.

Regalia is considered **wealth**, not clothing.

When Misuse Occurs

If someone:

• wears a crest or material they have no right to,
• alters regalia without permission,
• claims a higher rank through materials,
• or disrespects regalia in public,

the wilp may require:

• correction (ha’lidzap),
• an apology,
• witness acknowledgement,
• or a small feast to restore order.

Summary

Milton cloth, fur, abalone, and goat hair:

• carry legal, cultural, and ceremonial power,
• must be used with respect,
• reflect the honour (łoomsk) of the House,
• and remain central to Tsm̱syen identity and public life.

Notes

INITIATION DRAFT — Will expand as elders provide teachings on specific materials, rights, and House-level exceptions.