Quillwork Mittens

Quillwork Mittens

Quillwork Mittens

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Introduction

A pair of mittens with either moose or caribou hide outer layer and a wool lining. The floral quillwork design on the back of the hands and thumbs is similar to those that fur traders brought from North Saskatchewan. The cuffs also feature quillwork in the same design. Some of the colours have faded, such as the quillwork on the bottom left of the right mitten. The mittens are likely from a fur trade family, and are believed to have come from the Northern Plains or the Sub-Arctic area. This pair is currently at the Ethnologisches Museum Berlin, and was likely made during the early 19th century.

Date Made or Date Range: Before 1846
Seasonal time
English: Winter
Summary of Source(s) for this Relative

GRASAC Berline Day 2 notes.

Materials

Moose or caribou hide; blue, red, and white porcupine quills; wool.

Techniques or Format

Features fine quillwork that resembles embroidery on the backs of the hands and thumbs, as well as red and white designs on the cuffs. The inside lining is made of wool.

Motifs and Patterns

The design has a floral motif.

Additional Context

The design, which is equal on both sides, is similar to those brought out of North Saskatchewan by fur traders. While it is unconfirmed where the mittens came from, it is possible they came from a fur trading family.

Condition: Good. The colours on the quillwork have faded, but otherwise in good condition.
Current Location: Ethnologisches Museum Berlin, Germany
Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: IV-B-153a,b
Collection at Current Location: Köhler
Date of Acquisition by the Institution: Acquired in 1846.
GKS Reference Number: 25478
Record Creation Context

Created by Nikolaus Stolle during a research visit to the museum commissioned by Ruth Phillips and supported by her research funds.

Record Creation Notes/Observations

Contributing Members:
Nikolaus Stolle
Ruth Phillips
Peter Bolz

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