Construction and Craftwork
The quillwork seen on this box displays a skill passed down through generations of indigenous women, who have used it to tell stories and to create beautiful, unique designs. Before beginning work, quills must be gathered, sorted, cleaned, and dyed (Prairie Edge and Sioux Trading Post 2011, and the work itself may take weeks or months depending on what is being made.
Birch bark, another vital component of this piece, is utilized in many Indigenous items. Harvesting birch bark in the traditional way causes no lasting damage to birch trees (White Earth Land Recovery Project 2017). Trees must be mature, at least 40 years old. Offerings are given to the tree, and any leftover bark is used in other work or respectfully given back to the woods (White Earth Land Recovery Project 2017).
Watch a demonstration of porcupine quillwork by indigenous artist Jamie Okuma.