Birchbark reticule base, moose hair embroidered

Birchbark reticule base, moose hair embroidered

Birchbark reticule base, moose hair embroidered

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Introduction

This relative is a reticule base made out of birchbark. Its maker dedicated their time to intricately decorate this relative with a scene of two black, four-legged animals, possibly wolves, surrounded by florals and foliage with a bird perched high on a branch above them. This scene, and the additional decorative florals along the edges of the relative, were made using moose hair, both natural and dyed. It is likely that the maker intended for this base to be attached to a textile that would complete its form as a drawstring bag. There are no remnants of a textile having been attached to this relative, suggesting it remained a decorative item, rather than serving its functional purpose as a reticule.

This relative currently resides at the Städtisches Museum in Braunschweig, Germany.

Name of Maker(s): Unrecorded
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular nation(s)

Städtisches Museum Braunschweig records indicate this relative likely came from the Ursuline convent at Trois-Rivières where Brunswick mercenaries spent their first winter in North America in 1776-77. This convent hosted Indigenous girls from many nations, including those listed above, among others, who were instrumental in bringing this craft tradition to their French counterparts.

Summary of Source(s) for this Relative

Städtisches Museum Braunschweig records. GRASAC researcher visit to Städtisches Museum Braunschweig, October 2024.

Materials

Birchbark, moose hair, porcupine quills, yarn

Techniques or Format

Moose hair embroidery

Motifs and Patterns

Two four-legged animals are central in this design. They are possibly wolves. Various floral decorations are used across the reticule.

Original and Subsequent Uses

Possibly created as a souvenir item.

Condition: Some hairs have broken off in various areas of the design. The remaining moose hair and birchbark appear in stable condition.
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular times, materials, styles and uses

Städtisches Museum Braunschweig records.

Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: A IV b 77
Date of Acquisition by the Institution: 1871
Who the Institution Acquired the Relative or Heritage Item From: Mr. Richard Köcky.
Collection Narratives and Histories

Acquired by the Städtisches Museum Braunschweig from a Mr. Richard Köcky in 1871.

Source for Provenance information

Städtisches Museum Braunschweig records.

Exhibition History

"Souvenirs aus dem amerikanischen Unabhängigkeitskreig" (Souvenirs from the American War of Independence), hosted by Städtisches Museum Braunschweig, 2024.

Comment on Source of Exhibition & Publication Data

Städtisches Museum Braunschweig records.

GKS Reference Number: 59261
How to Cite this Item

Maker, Name unrecorded. Birchbark reticule base, moose hair embroidered. GRASAC ID 59261. Städtisches Museum Braunschweig A IV b 77.

Record Creation Context

Record created by Samantha Giguere January 17, 2026. Informed by researcher visit to Städtisches Museum Braunschweig, October 21 and 22, 2024. Researchers: Naomi Recollet, Shaelynn Recollet, Daintry Kewayosh, Beendigaygizhig Deleary, Duke Peltier, Samantha Giguere.

Approximate Place of Origin

46.343636234934, -72.535581886768

Source of Information about Places

As suggested by information from Städtisches Museum Braunschweig, this relative likely originated from a maker at the Ursuline convent at Trois-Rivères.