Acadian Spruce Root Basket

 

Acadian Spruce Root baskets are a regional meld of cultures.  These combine aspects of traditional basketmaking from the First Nations peoples, Black Nova Scotians, and Acadian Cultures.  All three of these cultural forms are present in the basket.  They are reflected by the use of the red maple, in hoops and ribs, the form of weaving the ears and mouth of the basket, and the root of the spruce tree.

 

The handle and ribs are made from a Red Maple Sapling.  Red Maple is a material usually used by Black Nova Scotian Basket makers. Withe rod can also be used as a rib and handle material as well as using only spruce root. 

 

The form and methods of making the ears and the mouth, as well as not using turrnbacks, came from the Acadians. They brought these skills from France in the 1500’s.  

 

The look and feel of the prepared root of the spruce tree is what makes this basket so distinctive and unique.  The roots are harvested so as not to harm the living tree.  Spruce root was traditionally to lash and bind First Nation vessels; such as birch bark baskets, or canoes.  The root used in these baskets is boiled, peeled, and split into two identical pieces for weaving purposes.  The boiling of the root gives it the beautiful coffee colour.

 

All of these cultures came together in the Maritimes to help each other survive and thrive in  this region.  This basket symbolizes the blending of these cultures.

 

They are a joy to make and touch due to the sturdy, tactile nature of the materials.   To hold the finished product is to feel the heartbeat of mother earth in your hands.