Wiigwaazii Birch

EXHIBIT CONCLUDED

Explore a part of this birch bark exhibit here online!

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WIIGWAAZII:
THE EVOLVING TRADITIONS OF BIRCH EXHIBIT

Discover the evolution and multitude of uses for birch bark in the new exhibit: “Wiigwaazii” at the Madeline Island Museum. View historic items from the museum’s collections as well as the complex, detailed works of art presented by Pat Kruse and his apprentice, Terri Hom.

For the Anishinaabe, also known as the Ojibwe, the birch tree is the Tree of Life, vital to their survival and their culture. Even the name Ojibwe is thought to come from the word “ozhibii’ige,” meaning “to write,” referring to inscriptions on birch scrolls and books. Used for baskets, homes, transportation, food, and medicine, birch has been deeply rooted in Ojibwe life since time immemorial.

A birchbark cradle decorated with willow and porcupine quills.
Celebration of Life Cradle
A view of the walls of Wiigwaazii Exhibit, featuring contemporary wall pieces and historic birchbark baskets
A wall of the Wiigwaazii Exhibit
a closeup of a traditional Ojibwe shirt
Ma-Koonts’ Buckskin Vest
Another wall of the Wigwaazii Exhibit featuring contemporary wall art and historic baskets
A wall of the Wiigwaazii Exhibit
A variety of birchbark items, and box decorated with maple leaves. A small canoe also decorated and several baskets of various sizes.
Birch Bark Tourist Items
A shallow birchbark basket hand stitched along the edge and reading Native Pride down the center. Around the Native Pride is a humanoid figure.
A young Bad River Ojibwe Nation boy proudly shows off his finished beadwork, or manidoominensikaan. It’s a floral multi-colored piece with a circular backdrop and a green beaded border.
Birchbark baskets of various sizes colorfully decorated with dyed porcupine quill to create flowers in blue, yellow, white, mauve and green.s
A young Bad River Ojibwe Nation boy proudly shows off his finished beadwork, or manidoominensikaan. It’s a floral multi-colored piece with a circular backdrop and a green beaded border.
This close up the intricacies of creating a birchbark wall art by Pat Kruse
A close up of Birchbark Wall Art
Pat Kruse & Terri Hom
Pat Kruse & Terri Hom
Many items from the exhibit are visible from this angle including the birchbark cradle, canoe, several wall pieces and some baskets.
A view of the center of Wiigwaazii Exhibit
A man peels bark off a tree taller than his head and wider than a basketball.
Removing Birchbark
A man's fingers work birchbark after it has been removed from the tree.
Working Birchbark
A historical photograph of Ojibwe launching a birchbark canoe
Historic Photo of Birchbark Canoe
Three men drag their birch canoe up river in this black and white illustration
Illustration from Harper’s Magazine
Another view of the center of the Wiigwaazii exhibit, revealing the historical canoe, wall art, and many baskets.
Another view of the Wiigwaazii Exhibit