Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
OSWEGO - Carolyn Beigh, Claypool, a tradition bearer of the Ojibwa style of porcupine quillwork, will present a demonstration in the Pound Store Feb. 24 at 10 a.m.
A tradition bearer is a person who is recognized by the Native American community as a teacher in a particular craft.
The Indian tribes of the Great Lakes and Woodlands made use of porcupine quills for decoration for several hundred years.
Decorative application was principally on clothing, equipment and other articles.
Application on birch bark dates prior to 1650, when early French traders saw and encouraged native people to make quilled items.
Traditional designs of the Great Lakes and Woodland tribes were mostly floral, while similar work of the Northern Plains Indians and those in the Northeast were geometric.
Quills were frequently dyed with various vegetable compounds. Recently aniline or commercial dyes are used.
Since her introduction to the Native American culture at a very young age, Beigh has studied the ways of Native Americans.
The quillwork of the pre-1900 Ottawa and Ojibwa tribes has always held a great fascination for her.
Her quillwork has been accepted at several galleries and museums in Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Kansas.
Last year her quillwork was part of several displays in Indiana and Ohio.
She demonstrates the art form and is willing to teach the craft to others.
She will use porcupine quills, birch bark, leather, sweetgrass and other natural materials to create several useful and decorative items in the Pound Store.
The program is free, open to the public and sponsored by the Kosciusko County Historical Society. Refreshments will be served. For more information call 276-8681 or 276-5454.
