birchbark; beige thread; black thread; split root, dyed purplish; ash splint; porcupine quills natural and dyed green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue.

The box has a circular bottom made of birchbark, with birchbark sides and lid. The bottom is sewn to the side panel with beige thread, over which is a line of root, attached to the box at intervals with natural quills. Floral motifs in porcupine quills decorate the sides of the box, above which is another line of root attached at intervals with quills. An ash splint sewn on with beige thread reinforces the inside rim of the box.

The lid is a circular piece of birchbark sewn to the side with beige thread over which is a line of criss-crossed porcupine quills. There are floral designs on both the top and sides of the lid. On the top, there are tacks done in natural quills. The edge of the lid has a purple split root attached with black thread.

Floral

In May of 1914 the Gottschall collection was accessioned by the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia (ANSP). Lent to the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in 1936, and formally gifted in 1991 or 1992.

University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, May 6 2010.