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2017.103.14

Circular birchbark box with a wooden base and quillwork decoration, missing its lid. [JMC 3/10/2018]

2017.103.14

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Collection type
Object
Description
Circular birchbark box with a wooden base and quillwork decoration, missing its lid. [JMC 3/10/2018]
Long description
Circular birchbark box with a wooden base, missing its lid. The outside is decorated with quillwork in chevron patterns. The quills are mostly white, but some have been dyed orange, purple or green. There is a lining of birchbark on the interior of the box. A detachable circular rim is decorated with interlacing brown and white plant fibres. The wooden base is fixed in place with one small wooden rivet. [JMC 3/10/2018]
Cultural groups
Mi'kmaq
Person
Field collector Raymond Wilkes
PRM source David Wilkes
Date / Period
Date made: 1800-1900
Acquisition information
Donated: 30/08/2016
Materials and processes
Material Birch Bark Wood Plant, Material Wood Plant, Material Quill, Material Plant Fibre, Process Quillwork, Process Riveted, Process Dyed
Dimensions
Diameter: max 94 mm, Height: max 68 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 2017.103.14 Other numbers: 8
Research and responses

This box is part of a collection put together by English Hobbyist Raymond Wilkes. The collection combines English, European or North American-made hobbyist material, some objects made by Wilkes himself, and some Native American-made objects. The box is thought to be Native American-made, probably Micmac, from the 19th century. [JMC 20/2/2019]

Search terms: Box, Vessel

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