Birchbark Collection

Birch bark yurt. Selkups, 1920. Creator: A. G. Vargin
Birch bark yurt. Selkups, 1920. V. I. Surikov Museum of Art in Krasnoiarsk

Tamgas made of birch bark of various types, Selkups, 1920. Creator: A. G. Vargin
Tamgas made of birch bark of various types, Selkups, 1920. V. I. Surikov Museum of Art in Krasnoiarsk

Knife "pa", birch bark bucket "kol" and basket "tamga", Selkups, 1920. Creator: A. G
Knife "pa", birch bark bucket "kol" and basket "tamga", Selkups, 1920. V. I. Surikov Museum of Art in Krasnoiarsk

A child in a birch bark cradle, Selkups, 1920. Creator: A. G. Vargin
A child in a birch bark cradle, Selkups, 1920. V. I. Surikov Museum of Art in Krasnoiarsk

Birch bark yurt - Interior view of the yurt. Selkups, 1920. Creator: A. G. Vargin
Birch bark yurt - Interior view of the yurt. Selkups, 1920. V. I. Surikov Museum of Art in Krasnoiarsk

The Assiniboine and Saskatchewan Exploring Expedition - Ojibway Encampment near the Falls... 1858. Creator: Unknown
The Assiniboine and Saskatchewan Exploring Expedition - Ojibway Encampment near the Falls of the Rainy River, 1858. The Ojibways of the Lake of the Woods are the most warlike

Birch Bark Shoe, 1938. Creator: Eugene C. Miller
Birch Bark Shoe, 1938

Birch Bark Cape Collar, 1935/1942. Creator: Charles Charon
Birch Bark Cape Collar, 1935/1942

Birch Bark Sewing Basket, 1938. Creator: John Cooke
Birch Bark Sewing Basket, 1938

Todzhin Birchbark Cradle (sent to the Berlin Museum fur Volkskunde), 1897. Creator: Unknown
Todzhin Birchbark Cradle (sent to the Berlin Museum fur Volkskunde), 1897. From the album Puteshestviya P. Ye. Ostrovskogo na Yenisey v 1894 i 1897 godakh (The journeys of P. E)

Framework for a Birchbark Yurt, 1897. Creator: Unknown
Framework for a Birchbark Yurt, 1897. From the album Puteshestviya P. Ye. Ostrovskogo na Yenisey v 1894 i 1897 godakh (The journeys of P. E)

Birchbark Pail, c. 1760. Creator: Unknown
Birchbark Pail, c. 1760. Probably Penobscot, Maine

Saddle, Central European, ca. 1400-1420. Creator: Unknown
Saddle, Central European, ca. 1400-1420

CANADA: CANOE-MAKING, 1858. A Canadian man making a canoe out of cedar and birchbark. Engraving, English, 1858

SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN (1567-1635). French explorer in North America. Champlain taking an observation with his astrolabe on the Ottawa River in 1613. Drawing by C.W. Jefferys

VERNER: CANOE ON RIVER. Two Native Americans paddling a canoe in the Canadian wilderness. Graphite and watercolor on paper, 1899, by Frederick Arthur Verner

IROQUOIS: BIRCHBARK CANOE. Iroquois Native Americans constructing a birchbark canoe. Illustration by C.W. Jefferys

Minnehaha
Minnesota: 1904 A photochrome of Minnehaha as she awaits the arrival of Hiawatha

The Return Of The Hunters
MInnesota, 1904 A photochrome of the Ojibwa hunters returning to their camp in their birchbark canoe

Hiawathas Arrival
Minnesota, 1904 A photochrome of Hiawathas arrival at the camp

Ojibwas Hunting
MInnesota: c. 1900. A Photogravure titled: Ojibwa, The Hunters, with two Ojibwas hunting from a birchbark canoe

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"Birchbark: A Timeless Craft and Symbol of North American Exploration" Birchbark has long been intertwined with the history and culture of North America. From practical uses to artistic creations, this versatile material holds a special place in our heritage. One remarkable artifact that showcases the ingenuity craftsmanship is the Birchbark Pail, dating back to around 1760. Created by an unknown artist, this delicate yet sturdy container exemplifies the skillful manipulation into functional objects. In Central Europe during the early 15th century, another example of birchbark's utility emerged in the form of a Saddle. Though its creator remains anonymous, this saddle demonstrates how birchbark was utilized for its durability and adaptability across different cultures. The exploration of North America would not be complete without mentioning Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer who ventured into uncharted territories during his time. As he traversed new lands, Champlain encountered Native Americans utilizing canoes made from cedar and birchbark – a testament to their resourcefulness and connection with nature. Native American tribes like the Iroquois were particularly skilled at constructing these iconic Birchbark Canoes. Their expertise allowed them to navigate rivers and lakes effortlessly while maintaining harmony with their surroundings. Artists such as Minnehaha captured scenes depicting Hiawatha's Arrival or Ojibwas Hunting using these traditional canoes. These paintings immortalize both the practicality and beauty associated with birchbark vessels. Fast forward to 1858 when Canada witnessed canoe-making firsthand; it became evident that cedar combined with birch bark continued to be an essential part of Canadian culture even after centuries had passed since Champlain's expeditions. Today, we still appreciate birchbarks' significance as it symbolizes resilience, adaptability, and unity between humans and nature.