Introduction to Elm Bark Containers:
At
this workshop we explore the ancient uses of elm bark for crafts and
other domestic and
utilitarian items. We will begin with an introduction to the subject
that will
include a handout, discussion time, and simple introductory activities
to
familiarize participants with the tools and techniques used for
harvesting and
processing raw materials and assembling them into beautiful and
functional baskets,
trays, canoes, ladles, shelter roofing, and even watertight containers
suitable
for cooking over an open fire. After the introduction, everyone will be
provided with all of the tools and materials needed to make an elm bark
basket
(often called “makuk”) or ladle styled after documented
examples of those commonly
in use across the Eastern Woodlands during proto-historic times.
Patterns and finished examples of several common types will
be on
hand to reference as everyone makes their own to take home. This
is a great opportunity to learn about these local tree resources and
their important
contributions to the pre-European subsistence strategies in the eastern
forests.Minimum recommended age is 12 years, and bark availability
limits this workshop
to the months of May and June.
Pottery:
Functional Art with Earth and
Fire:
For thousands of years, beautiful and functional pottery
served as
cookware, water and food storage containers, ceremonial and burial
offerings, and many other artistic and functional uses. Few
technologies can match the functional importance, artistic
expression, archaeological value, and range of materials and knowledge
associated with pottery. Using traditional tools, techniques, and
materials, this workshop guides participants through the entire process
of making open fired, functional domestic earthenware. This workshop
will familiarize participants with the raw
materials, manufacture, uses, and cultural expressions of domestic
earthenware in the Great
Lakes region - from locating and gathering clay to cooking in the
finished wares. This workshop
must be two sessions; session one (four hour minimum) is introduction
and making the vessels, and session two (two hour minimum) is firing.
We will focus on the ceramics of the Woodland
Tradition and emphasize local cultural styles and vessel forms as
we learn about making and using ancient ceramics. As with all of our
workshops and programs, we
provide all of the tools, raw materials, and instruction. Minimum age
12 years.
