The last 13 days in Maine have spun by as if riding on a merry-go-round. The ups and downs were mostly provided by the weather - a "bit" of sun UP and rainy drearies DOWN- meeting friends en-route UP and driving in the weather DOWN - walking the coast UP and being caught in a cloudburst DOWN - greeting family UP and leaving family DOWN.
When we were spinning through the capitol of Augusta, I finally grabbed the gold ring. I have been doing quite a bit of research on the history of northern Maine indians and had heard there was a fairly new exhibit at the state museum. Took time to stop and take a look. Highly recommend it to anyone traveling in the area even if you are not interested in the tribes. They always have very interesting historical displays on life in Maine, its products and industries.
When I entered the Native American room I was swept away by the collection of treasures. Items I had only read about came to life before my eyes (at least as much as inanimate items can come to life). The quill work and beading is breathtaking. I especially was hoping to see a birch bark box decorated with the porcupine quills and there it was. I am veryinterested in the Micmacs who were called the porcupine people because of the decorative art they did with the quills. Once they starting trading with the Europeans they had use of glass beads and metal tools but prior to that all needles were made from bone and thread was of sinew from the muscles of deer.
Now when I "try"any bead crafting I need magnification for the fine needles and threads. My glasses are varilux which provide many lenses. Bright light is provided by dazor lamps. The materials are picked up at the craft stores. No need to chew and form quills and find berries and plants for dyes. I have always have very patient (sometimes I know I got my husbands share too) but must have missed the line for the patience to do such meticulous decorative work. The women (of course - remember patience) did all this beautiful work by firelight and sunlight whenever it appeared in the old growth forests. I have never seen an eyeglass store in any of the wigwams in any drawings of the times. To me, beyond belief. But there they were - wraps, leggings, hats, pouches covered with exquisite artwork. Even the clothing on carved dolls for play. The moccasins (a Micmac word - m'kusin) were made from deer leather, first tanned by the ladies then trimmed with quills prior mid 1600's but also with beads once the French traders came into the Maritimes.
I have done quite a bit a basket making so understand the techniques but never had to cut and strip my own ash. And for sure have never attempted a mini basket with sweetgrass or pine needles Some of these are the size of a quarter but were a good trade for supplies. These marvels were wonderful "curiosities" for the Europeans.
I felt as though I had opened a treasure chest when I went through the doors and will go back to Augusta for a longer museum visit the next time around.
Now I am working on the jigsaw puzzles in the trunk and back seat of the car. We have finished picking up extraneous "stuff" left behind in Maine and will be heading for PAin a couple days. Since our little Sentra was near full capacity on the way up my hubby thinks getting it all in will be impossible. Wanna bet?
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