Technique

The quillwork adorning the exterior of the snapping turtle shell is a practice which sustains historical roots, perhaps originating as the oldest form of Native American embroidery (Prindle 2018). While there exist numerous techniques in indigenous quillwork, the one utilized in this piece appears to be a form of plaited quillwork. To begin plaiting, makers must perform a quill collection process, which is then followed by the cleaning, flattening, and potential dying process to give color to the quills.

Unique attributes to the making of this piece include an awl tool, utilized as a needle to pierce small holes throughout the shell, holding strands of sinew from tough, fibrous tendons of animal tissue, serving as thread for the quills to be wrapped over. Additionally, a natural glue derived from gelatin may have been utilized to preserve the integrity of the design.  

Quillwork is a skill which requires immense patience and attention to detail. As a repercussion to colonialization, the practice of quillwork has grown to be considered a 'lost art', but many communities are working to revitalize and preserve this traditional art form (Prindle 2018).