Item X 8912 Container. North American Woodlands, Canada. 1850

Summary

The Mi`kmaq people of the Canadian woodlands decorated their clothing, personal accessories and containers with dyed porcupine quills. This cylindrical birch bark box, used for keeping exchange and personal valuables, is ornamented with quills in a variety of colours. The decoration is traditional, the sides in chevron patterns, while the lid features a cross design with geometric overlays. Native American quill work flourished up until the 18th century, when coloured glass beads became readily available from European traders. Later practices built on the applications and designs of traditional quill work.

Physical Description

A cylindrical lidded box with an inner layer of birch bark and an outer decorated with dyed and split porcupine quills set in a geometric design.