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One of the rarest art forms in Canada,
and will soon be gone without intervention. |
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The art started for practical purposes
and the template was used as patterns for designs on hide clothing. |
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The bark must be removed and split
into layers that make up the soft papery bark. |
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The soft layers are then folded in
halves, quarters, or diagonals |
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The fingers guide the teeth as to
where the bites are made. |
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The bites are made with the eye teeth
and side teeth making sure that each bite does not penetrate right through the bark. |
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The bark is then unfolded and the
design is left imprinted in the bark. |
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One bite mark for each bead ensures
that the piece is 100% symmetrical. |
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Historically, this finished piece
would be placed over the hide and beads would be sewn where the indents were on the bark.
Once all of the beads were
in place the bark was removed to reveal a perfect symmetrical beaded pattern. |
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Sizes can range from 3" to
16". |
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