Quill you be Mine?
As we mentioned in the last post, BZ and crew attended several workshops learning traditional Wyandotte Native practices. Here we will dig a little deeper into porcupine quill work (a distinct type of embroidery, predating European contact when colorful glass beads arrived on Turtle Island) and Ash basket weaving.
Quills awaiting weaving!
This intricate work is done by taking porcupine quills that have been dyed and then weaving them on the loom in intricate patterns; some traditional and some unique based on the quiller’s skill and intention.
Great-Nephew Rane Wilson weaving his bracelet
This style of porcupine quill work is done on a loom. Most of the time, the finished product is then sewn onto a heavy fabric such as leather, wool, or felt.
Niece Justine takes a hand at porcupine quill work!
The creation of the quill design is just one step in the lengthy process that leads to the beautiful finished product. This kind of work is often used on bracelets, clothing adornment, and hat bands.
BZ watching a live demonstration of traditional Quilling practices
Next, they turned their attention to Ash basket weaving. In order to learn this practice, the group began with flat reed basket weaving. More skilled basket weavers advance to split Ash (which is composed of thick layers of Ash trunk) making it much more sturdy and therefore requiring more skill to manipulate.
BZ’s Ash basket weaving pre-stained; Justine weaving in the background.
Here is the best part!
The only way BZ could get her basket home was to go out and buy a new suitcase! TALK ABOUT A GOOD TRIP! After spending 6 days immersed in Wyandotte traditional ways, she simply said…
BZ’s Ash basket: Final product stained and in use!
“My basket is full. ”