Wiigwaasi-Makak

The image above is a contemporary Wiigwaasi Makak, meaning; "birch-bark box" in the Anishinaabe language. The box is made of panels of birch bark sewn together by thread.

Historically birch bark containers, or Makaks were used by the Anishinaabe people primarily for storage. The containers were most commonly used to store maple sugar, rice and dried meat. Maple sugar was a valuable commodity to the Anishinaabe as it was a popular flavoring for food and could be traded for other items. Maple sugar is made from tree sap and each spring Anishinaabe families gather at sites called “sugar camps” or “sugar bushes” for several months to collect and process it. It is hard work but also a festive time for families and friends to come together for the yearly event.