Nationality
Ojibwe
Title of Work
Preview
Medium
Birch bark, plant twine
Identification #
MCK-22-0006
Height
24"
Width
18"
Depth
4"
Collection/Provenance
UND Art Collections: American Indian Studies Merry Claymore Ketterling Collection
Status
Not on display
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
Excellent
Rights
Images are provided for educational purposes only and may not be reproduced for commercial use. Images may be protected by artist copyright. A credit line is required to be used for any public non-commercial educational purpose. The credit line must include, “Image courtesy of the University of North Dakota.”