What type of motifs were commonly found in Tlingit ceremonial garments?

Tlingit ceremonial garments often featured geometric shapes representing animals and people, which hold significant cultural and spiritual meaning within Tlingit society. These designs are deeply rooted in their storytelling traditions, where various creatures symbolize different aspects of life and beliefs, embodying the clan lineage and ancestral heritage. The use of animal imagery—such as eagles, bears, and killer whales—often denotes clan affiliation or represents totemic symbols important to the Tlingit.

Unlike floral designs, which might be more common in other cultural artifacts, the Tlingit focus on the natural world and its inhabitants aligns with their worldview, where animals play a central role in their mythology and societal identity. While abstract patterns and repetitive lines might also be used in various textile traditions, the distinct representation of geometric animal shapes clearly showcases Tlingit's rich artistic heritage and its purposeful connection to their cultural narratives.