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