In a balanced world, everything gives. The sun gives its warmth and the cloud gives its rain to the plants below so they can grow. The plants give themselves to the elk, which eats them and grows strong. The elk gives his body to the hunter, nourishing a family of grateful humans. The hunter gives his time and skill to his community, sharing the gift of food with all. And the community gives their care and respect back to the earth, so it can continue the cycle anew.
Coast Salish artist Gail White Eagle (Muckleshoot and Chehalis) honors the sacrifice of the elk and gift of the hunter in her Elk’s Offering design, used here in our Elk's Offering Crew Socks. “This design came to me during the pandemic,” shares Gail, “as our hunters were diligently out hunting for our people. My design is meant to honor the hunter, who sacrifices time to feed his people, and importantly the elk, who sacrifices its life to feed the people.”
Gail’s design represents both the elk and its environment in traditional Coast Salish geometric weaving patterns. “The lightning design symbolizes an elk’s antlers,” says Gail. “The triangles depict an elk’s head and ears.” Triangles can also represent the hills and mountains where elks roam. Herself an internationally renowned weaver, Gail’s use of weaving patterns not only ties this design to her own body of work, but the Coast Salish and greater Native weaving communities of which she is an integral part.
- One size fits most; best between a women’s size 6–11.5 or men’s size 5.5–10
- Blend of combed cotton, nylon, spandex, and elastic
- Colors include brown, maroon, and teal
- Features arch support band
- Imported
- Machine wash warm; lay flat to dry; do not iron
Thank you for supporting Inspired Natives®, not "Native-inspired."
