Title of Work
Preview
Medium
Birch bark
Height
18"
Width
24"
Collection/Provenance
Merry Claymore Ketterling Collection, American Indian Studies Department
Status
Temporarily Stored; ISO BOX 6
Location
American Indian Studies Office
Additional Information
Historically a staple of American Indian sustenance, wild rice remains an important food source for some Native peoples. It is most plentiful in the upper regions of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Growing in shallow water of lakes and streams, it is harvested in early autumn. Knocking sticks were utilized during wild-rice harvesting season to knock wild rice grains off the plants and into a boat. The birch basket was used for winnowing, a traditional agricultural method for separating grain from chaff.
Condition
very good
COinS