birchbark cigar case

birchbark cigar case

birchbark cigar case

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Introduction

This birchbark cigar case contains vivid scenes, depicted with quillwork. The imagery includes people smoking pipes, a large squirrel in a tree, a person holding a bottle, figures carrying baskets, figures wearing toques, and a seated figure with a lighter skin tone wearing a European-style hat and bottle. The blue coats depicted on the case were common attire in the colonies among both Indigenous and settlers. There are also floral and bird motifs. The colours are still very fresh. GRASAC researchers identified this as having classic Ursuline characteristics, strongly suggesting this relative was made by a Huron-Wendat artist for the market. 

Maker role: Artist
Nation of Maker: Huron-Wendat
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular nation(s)

Stylistic similarities with Huron-Wendat quillwork

Date Made or Date Range: unknown
Summary of Source(s) for this Relative

Visual examination by GRASAC researchers Alan Corbiere and Laura Peers.

Materials

birchbark, quills, dye, thread

Techniques or Format

Quillwork on birch bark

Motifs and Patterns

Floral, animal and human imagery, including exquisitely detailed garments

Additional Context

Recommendation to consult Ruth Phillips writing on the humans in particular in the scenes.

Original and Subsequent Uses

Likely made for sale within the souvenir art market.

Dimensions: 0 × 0 × 0 mm
Condition: Excellent condition; colours are vivid; does not show signs of use or wear
Current Location: Ethnologisches Museum Berlin, Germany
Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: IV-B-12752a,b
Who the Institution Acquired the Relative or Heritage Item From: J. Konietzko
Collection Narratives and Histories

The catalogue card and ledger book at the museum list J. Konietzko as the "Vorbesitzer" or previous owner.

Source for Provenance information

Catalogue card and Ledger Book at the Museum.

GKS Reference Number: 817
Record Creation Context

Created by Nikolaus Stolle during a research visit to the museum commissioned by Ruth Phillips and supported by her research funds.
Further augmented by Cara Krmpotich, following a research visit by GRASAC researchers and colleagues: Alan Corbiere, Laura Peers, Maureen Matthews, Cara Krmpotich, Hannah Turner and Charles Feaver (photographer), supported by curator Monika Zessnik, May 6-7, 2019.

Approximate Place of Origin

46.857373851168, -71.355513425907

Source of Information about Places

Possibly from Wendake/Lorette given the style of the case.

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