Vests vs Robes
Vests vs. Robes
INITIATION DRAFT — Ayaawx teachings on the difference between modern vests and traditional robes, and the cultural, legal, and ceremonial meaning of each.
Overview
In contemporary times, many people wear crested vests to represent their House or clan. This is a modern practice.
Traditional robes — whether made from Milton cloth, mountain goat hair, cedar bark, or fur — are not clothing. They are **legal garments** under ayaawx, tied to rank, lineage, and House authority.
Understanding the difference protects:
What a Vest Represents
A vest today:
- is modern attire inspired by blanket patterns,
- is often used for community pride,
- is not restricted by ayaawx (unless crested improperly),
- is appropriate for general events, school gatherings, cultural days, etc.
Vests are **not**:
- indicators of rank,
- legal markers of lineage,
- ceremonial regalia,
- connected to ancient wealth systems.
Vests are fine — but they do not carry the power of a robe.
What a Robe Represents
A robe (blanket, crest garment, goat-hair or cedar-bark robe) is:
- a sacred garment,
- a House-owned item,
- part of the legal system of crest rights,
- used in name-raisings,
- worn by sm’oogyet or sigyidm hana̱'a̱,
- a form of wealth and law.
Robe types include:
- Milton cloth button blankets,
- wool and flannel blankets with crest appliqué,
- abalone-inlaid high-ranking robes,
- mountain goat hair and cedar-bark robes,
- fur-lined robes.
A robe is **only worn with permission** from:
- the matriarchs (sigyidm hana̱'a̱),
- the House leaders,
- or the sm’oogyet holding the crest.
Robes are the highest-ranking garments in Tsm̱syen culture.
Ayaawx Distinction
Under ayaawx:
- A vest = personal clothing.
- A robe = House authority.
A robe is legally equivalent to:
- a copper,
- a name,
- a crest pole carving,
- a feast obligation.
A vest is not.
Vests can be worn freely; robes cannot.
When Vests Become a Problem
A vest becomes an ayaawx issue when:
- it carries a crest the wearer has no right to,
- it imitates a robe worn by a sm’oogyet or matriarch,
- it is worn to imply authority,
- it is used in a feast to signal a rank the person does not hold.
In these cases, the House may require:
- clarification,
- correction (ha’lidzap),
- or removal of the crest from the garment.
When Robes Are Worn
Robes are worn only in:
- major feasts (li’ligit / luulgyit),
- name transmissions,
- funerary and Bax Ma’ga work,
- crest acknowledgements,
- speeches by House leaders,
- high-ranking dances (naxnok),
- and lineage events requiring witnesses.
A robe being worn tells the entire feast house:
- “Something of high law is about to occur.”**
A vest does not carry this message.
Teaching for Youth
Youth must understand:
- a vest is for learning and participation,
- a robe is for ceremony and law,
- not all crests belong to them,
- and wearing a robe incorrectly affects the honour of the House.
This distinction protects them from accidental breaches.
Modern Context
Because modern materials are cheaper and easier to access:
- some families make vests with crest designs for children,
- some people confuse vests with high-ranking regalia.
Writing down the law helps prevent misinterpretation.
Summary
Vest:
- Modern clothing
- Personal item
- Cultural pride
- Not part of ayaawx authority
- Fine for general events
Robe:
- Sacred garment
- House-owned wealth
- Lawful marker of lineage
- Restricted by permission
- Used only in ceremony
A vest is worn by anyone. A robe is worn only by those with **right**, **lineage**, and **authority**.
Notes
INITIATION DRAFT — To be expanded with House teachings about specific robe types and protocols for crest usage.