Birchbark reticule base, moose hair embroidered
Birchbark reticule base, moose hair embroidered
Birchbark reticule base, moose hair embroidered
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.
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.
Städtisches Museum Braunschweig records. GRASAC researcher visit to Städtisches Museum Braunschweig, October 2024.
Read More About This Relative
Birchbark, moose hair, porcupine quills, yarn
Moose hair embroidery
Two four-legged animals are central in this design. They are possibly wolves. Various floral decorations are used across the reticule.
Possibly created as a souvenir item.
Städtisches Museum Braunschweig records.
Provenance
Acquired by the Städtisches Museum Braunschweig from a Mr. Richard Köcky in 1871.
Städtisches Museum Braunschweig records.
"Souvenirs aus dem amerikanischen Unabhängigkeitskreig" (Souvenirs from the American War of Independence), hosted by Städtisches Museum Braunschweig, 2024.
Städtisches Museum Braunschweig records.
About This GRASAC Record
Maker, Name unrecorded. Birchbark reticule base, moose hair embroidered. GRASAC ID 59261. Städtisches Museum Braunschweig A IV b 77.
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.
46.343636234934, -72.535581886768
As suggested by information from Städtisches Museum Braunschweig, this relative likely originated from a maker at the Ursuline convent at Trois-Rivères.
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