cattail

Old ways

My contribution to this project is a study of traditional Meskwaki plant fiber weaving. This artform was once practiced by literally every woman and girl in our tribe. This weaving was a skill considered necessary for survival as it was used in the making of mats used in our traditional homes. Sadly, this form of weaving along with cattail mat weaving became lost approximately sixty years ago. For the last seven years I have been part of a small group of women that have embarked on the revitalization of this traditional plant fiber weaving.