mkak, box, birchbark
mkak, box, birchbark
mkak, box, birchbark









This rectangular Anishinaabe mkak (box) is made from wiigwaas (birchbark) with a floral design made from kaawyikewin (quillwork). It was collected by Amos H. Gottschall between 1871 and 1905. His collection was likely left to the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia (ANS) sometime before 1937. ANS formally gifted the collection to the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in 1997, where this relative currently resides.
The nation is listed as "Ottawa" on the catalogue card.
The information in this record is based on museum documentation.
Read More About This Relative
birchbark; split root; ash splint; black thread; beige thread; porcupine quills natural and dyed pink, green, purple, magenta
The kaawyikewin is done in purple, white, and pink flower motifs. There is also a repeating diamond and X pattern along the side of the lid.
These dates are based on Gottschall's collecting activities.
Provenance
This relative was collected by Amos H. Gottschall between 1871 and 1905. His collection was likely left to the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia (ANS) sometime before 1937. ANS formally gifted the collection to the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in 1997, where this relative currently resides.
Gottschall, Amos H. Priced and Descriptive Catalogue of the Utensils, Implements, Weapons, Ornaments, Etc., of the Indians, Mound Builders, Cliff Dwellers: Typical Collections No. 2. 1909. (See: II 302)
About This GRASAC Record
Maker, Name unrecorded. Mkak, box, birchbark. GRASAC ID 26820. University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, 97-84-119A & 97-84-119B.
This information was gathered during a research visit to the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, May 7, 2010. The researchers present were: Adriana Greci-Green, David Penny, Stacey Loyer, and Coralie Boeykens.
This record was augmented by Joy Kruse on January 11, 2025.