First Nations / Native American, Eastern Canada / United States, Great Lakes region, Mi'kmaq or Ojibwe, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A pair of lidded boxes crafted from birch bark and adorned with porcupine quills. The quills, some dyed in vibrant red, orange, and yellow, were threaded through holes punched into the bark to create designs, including stars on both lids. Quillwork was traditionally used to decorate moccasins, baskets, and clothing. By the 18th and 19th centuries, quillwork expanded to include souvenirs like birchbark boxes, influenced by European tastes. Techniques such as inserting, sewing, wrapping, or weaving quills involve softening them with water or saliva for shaping, after which they harden to form durable, intricate designs. Size of larger: 8.5" Diameter x 2" H (21.6 cm x 5.1 cm)

Provenance: Private Parker, Colorado, USA collection

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#185915

    Condition:
  • Losses to some quills along the lower edge of smaller box. Otherwise good condition. Larger box lid is misshapen and there are losses to some quills along the edge.

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by Artemis Fine Arts
January 30, 2025 8:00 AM MST
686 S. Taylor Ave., #108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Artemis Fine Arts

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