//
For internal use only
On Display: House - Hardenbergh Bedroom
Box (Quillwork box)
Mi'kmaq
1850-1900
Description
This box is made from rings of birchbark wrapped with dyed spruce root strips. The lid is decorated in an elaborate pattern of dyed porcupine quills that were flattened and inserted into a flat oval of birchbark. Similar patterns proved quite popular in items made for sale to tourists in the mid to late 19th century -- everything from colorful chair backs to portfolio covers. Once far brighter, time and light have faded the lid of this box to soft browns.
Category
Wood (other)
Creator/Artist/Maker
Mi'kmaq (Probable maker)
Place of Origin
Nova Scotia; Canada; North America
Materials
- Wood
- Porcupine quill
- Birch bark
- Spruce
- Dye
Museum Object Number
1958.1134 A, B
Credit Line/Donor
Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont
Share Object
Complete Details
Object Number
1958.1134 A, B
Object Name
Box (Quillwork box)
Category
Wood (other)
Creator (Role)
Mi'kmaq (Probable maker)
Place of Origin
Nova Scotia; Canada; North America
Origin Notes
This type of porcupine quillwork was done by Native Americans, particularly the Mi'kmaq (Micmac), probably in Nova Scotia and eastern Canada.
Date
1850-1900
Subject(s)
- Native American
- Indigenous peoples
Materials
- Wood
- Porcupine quill
- Birch bark
- Spruce
- Dye
Techniques
- Quillwork
Dimensions (inches)
6.7 (H) x 8.6 (W) x 12.2 (L)
Dimensions (centimeters)
17 (H) x 21.8 (W) x 31 (L)