box, quilled

box, quilled

box, quilled

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Introduction

A round lidded quilled box with a turtle motif on the lid. Made by Josette Debassige, Anishinaabe from M'chigeeng, Manitoulin Island, Lake Huron in or before 1974.

Name of Maker(s): Jossette Debassige
Maker role: Artist
Nation of Maker: Anishinaabe
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular nation(s)

Artist's son part of research team.

Place of Origin: M'Chigeeng First Nation
Date Made or Date Range: 1960 to 1974
Materials

Birchbark, natural, pink, and light green porcupine quills, sweetgrass, thread

Techniques or Format

Round box with lid, top and sides covered with natural quills with turtle motif in centre. Bundled sweet grass sewn around bottom of lid. Lined with thin pieces of birchbark.

Motifs and Patterns

Turtle with three small squares on its back

Additional Context

Lewis Debassige, present during the GRASAC study session said that the turtle has no specific symbolic meaning. "She just liked the little animals." Similarly, although sweet grass is one of the four sacred medicines, it has no specific meaning when used on quill boxes. It is decorative and has a sweet smell.

Original and Subsequent Uses

Made for sale

Other Notes

Lewis Debassige commented on the exactness with which the lining has to be cut to fit tightly inside (further information on audio tape)

Dimensions: 0 × 0 × 5.5 cm
Condition: Excellent
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular times, materials, styles and uses

It was collected in 1974, but Lewis Debassige, son of the maker, says it's probably earlier

Current Location: Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, ON, Canada
Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: 2001.168.1111, 1 and 2
Date of Acquisition by the Institution: 2001
Who the Institution Acquired the Relative or Heritage Item From: Bernard Cinader collection
Date Relative was First Removed or Collected from its Community Context: 1974
GKS Reference Number: 26715
How to Cite this Item

Unknown artist, box, quilled. Currently in the Royal Ontario Museum, 2001.168.1111, 1 and 2. Item photographed and described as part of a GRASAC research trip December 2008; GRASAC item id 26715.

Record Creation Notes/Observations

A GRASAC research trip to the Royal Ontario Museum. Members present: Alan Corbiere, Trudy Nicks, Stacey Loyer, Anne De Stecher, Ruth Phillips, Cory Willmott, Darlene Johnston, Lewis Debassige

Approximate Place of Origin

45.8293, -82.516

Source of Information about Places

Artist's home known.

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