Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
Level of description
Extent and medium
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Currently a professor at U of M, Department of Environment and Geography.
15 publications including: Inuit Annuraangit - Our Clothes: A Travelling Exhibition of Inuit Clothing; Our Boots: An Inuit Woman's Art (with Rick Riewe); Copper and Caribou Inuit Skin Clothing Production; and Sanatujut: Pride in Woman's Work: Copper and Caribou Inuit Clothing Traditions with Judy Hall and Sally Quimmiu'naaq Webster.
Archival history
These patterns were collected during Jill Oakes and Rick Riewe's numerous research trips to northern communities. Jill's research documents the factors influencing skin clothing production throughout the circumpolar region and focuses on how information is passed on from one generation to the next, why skin clothing traditions are culturally important, and the role seamstresses play in recording their cultural history into their families' clothing.
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
The collection consists of over 200 clothing patterns in a variety of styles created by Inuit artisans to depict differences in clothing styles and construction in various regions of the north. The collection also includes photographs depicting skin preparation and pictorial instructions for measuring and pattern layouts. There is also one artifact.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
For each garment, pattern pieces were stored in a separate plastic envelope and catalogued in three-ring binders. Some patterns of similar construction were combined in the envelopes.
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
There are no restrictions on viewing this material however the original creators retain copyright on use of the patterns. Due to their cultural significance, only those of Inuit descent may use them to create clothing items. They are not to be duplicated.
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Uploaded finding aid
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
University of Manitoba Archives and Special Collections Jill Oakes fonds
The A.03-123 and A.04-209 accessions consist of materials related to Oakes' research including correspondence, product development and marketing reports for the Minnguq Sewing Group. Also included are numerous artifact cards for the various materials collected by Oakes and her husband, Rick Riewe, on their collecting trips and for display in Oakes' exhibitions. The photograph collection includes one photo album (116 photographs) of the Minnguq Sewing Group of Broughton Island, 76 photographs and 75 negatives from Oakes trip to Denver, Colorado museums in 1997, and 4 VHS and 9 U-Matic videocassettes documenting bird skin clothing preparation for the "Coats of Eider" project. Also included are 2 audio cassettes describing the bird skin clothing process. Much of the commentary contained on these audio cassettes is in Inuktitut.
Photocopies of 160 patterns were donated to the Canadian Museum of History and Inuit Cultural Institute.
Garments at Canadian Museum of History, Manitoba Clothing and Textile Museum, Bata Shoe Museum.
Notes area
Note
Contents in this fonds are in the process of being reorganized, researched and rehoused. Information is subject to being corrected or changed.