Spirit

Close up of design on painted birch bark box from MSU Museum.

Birch bark is used by many Indigenous peoples for a variety of different reasons. It influences art forms and is informed by oral tradition. While there are variations in Anishinaabe stories of how the birch tree got its designs, overall these relate traditions that speak to the spirit of respect, kindness and caring of others. While this box seems like an odd item, the careful layering of birchbark and blue embroidery thread to both secure parts of the flowers and leaves in place may reflect this fundamental philosophy.