A Birchbark Native Sub-Arctic Indian Storage Box , Ojibway or Cree (1800 to 1900 USA)

Birchbark

11.50cm high (4.53 inches high)

11.00cm ( 4.33 inches)

Life in the sub-arctic in pre-contact times was heavily dependent upon the bark of the white birch . It was used in transportation , shelter , carrying and storing food and household objects . The importance of birchbark in the Sub-Arctic boreal forest compares with that of buffalo rawhide in the Plains , and there are similarities in the folded construction of containers from both materials .
This style of box was probably inspired by European prototypes , but it has been carefully crafted according to native practice . Birchbark is not only waterproof but also fire resistant . It can be stitched , rolled , bent or engraved , and containers , boxes , moosecalls , canoes and roof mats were made from it .

A Birchbark Native Sub-Arctic Indian Storage Box , Ojibway or Cree
Late 19 th Century