Native American Bead & Quillwork Lesson Ideas
Quillwork: Porcupine quillwork is an art form unique to Native American tribes. Before the arrival of Europeans it was one of the most utilized methods to decorate. For 100s of years it was used to decorate boxes, moccasins, shirts, dresses, leggings and jewelry. It is easily recognized. The abundance of porcupines allowed harvesting the quills through out the woodlands and the west. Often the porcupine was harvested for food and the quills. Today quills can be harvested in ways that do not harm to the porcupine. One method involves tossing a blanket over the porcupine, when it runs away the quills stick in the blanket! This sounds easier than it is. They move quickly therefore simply tossing a blanket on their back is no easy task! Plant and mineral dyes were used to create colors. Most modern quill workers use RIT or another commercial dye. Quillwork is a considered by some to be sacred, it takes time, skill and patience. There are several techniques using stitching and stringing.
The arrival of beads with settlers, quillwork became less common. However, modern artists are keeping the tradition alive! There is renewed interest exploring this traditional art form. Many artists harvest their own quills, you can also buy materials online!
I used a paper mache box with my students to introduce the use of quills. We dyed them with commercial dyes. Because the tips are barbed, like a fish hook, I do not recommend using them with young students or without supervision!
The arrival of beads with settlers, quillwork became less common. However, modern artists are keeping the tradition alive! There is renewed interest exploring this traditional art form. Many artists harvest their own quills, you can also buy materials online!
I used a paper mache box with my students to introduce the use of quills. We dyed them with commercial dyes. Because the tips are barbed, like a fish hook, I do not recommend using them with young students or without supervision!
Native American Art: "Porcupine Quillwork" Ideas
5th-8th grades
Porcupine Legend
Legend Resource: https://www.historymuseum.ca/cmc/exhibitions/aborig/fp/fpz2f24e.html
Title/Technique: Porcupine Gets Her Quills
Tribe (s): Ojibwe Region: Woodland/Plains
Cross curricular connections: Reading, Lang Arts, History
Grade(s): 2+
Elements/Principles of art: Texture
Materials: Birch Bark scraps, tooth pics, markers, use link above for Ojibwe legend or click here to view Quillworker, a Cheyenne legend
Title/Technique: Porcupine Gets Her Quills
Tribe (s): Ojibwe Region: Woodland/Plains
Cross curricular connections: Reading, Lang Arts, History
Grade(s): 2+
Elements/Principles of art: Texture
Materials: Birch Bark scraps, tooth pics, markers, use link above for Ojibwe legend or click here to view Quillworker, a Cheyenne legend
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Teachers may print-out text and images without restriction for use in a non-internet classroom setting. the following statement should be included on each copy:
Copyright © 2022 Native American Projects & Lessons Plans. Internet URL: https://www.nativeamericanactivities.com