Dig It - 10/19/23

Well Fellow Seekers, today we are going to look at a beautiful toy size cradle from the Plateau region of eastern Washington and Oregon. There were numerous tribes living in this is area, sharing similar subsistence patterns, beliefs and artistic styles. One of the larger groups were and are the Nez Perce, who probably made this cradle.

The cradle is 24” by 10” and its creator did a fabulous job with her choices of colors and patterns. This piece really sings. By the late 19th century, when this was made, many Native American Craftswomen were producing beautiful pieces like this for sale to outside consumers in order to survive in their new situation of reservation life. Their Native pride shows through, even these items which were made for sale. Adios Seekers, I hope you like the cradle.

-Lonesome