NOT AVAILABLE

DIMENSIONS:

Board: cm 77.5 x 27.5 // inches 30.5" x 10.8"
Removable front bar: cm 29 x 22 // 11.4" x 8.6"

DESCRIPTION: Amazing, rare, museum quality wooden cradle board from the Pawnee tribe, dating back to the middle of 19th century. The engraved decoration probably depicts the morning star, that plays an important role in the Pawnee mithology. A similar Pawnee cradle board is at the British museum:

https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Am-5196

The cradle is one of the most striking symbols of Native American childhood. When and where they were first used is unknown. They probably arrived in North America with migrants from the Bering land bridge. However, archaeological evidence suggests a longer tradition of using the cradle. Although their appearance differed from group to group, their general form remained the same. Each cradle had a “bed”, some sort of covering, padding, and lashing. Other features, such as handles or pendants, were widespread but not universal. Likewise, the materials varied from region to region.

Cradle-making was often reserved for the most accomplished and skilled artisans. In fact, most cradles were made as gifts for special newborns. Families that didn’t have their own cradle often borrowed one from a friend or relative until the child outgrew it. As such, a single cradle was often used for generations

Usage varied from group to group. Some women carried their children on their backs with the aid of a tumpline around the forehead or chest. Others carried their cradles by hand. Some hung their cradles from their horse’s saddle or on a nearby tree.

PROVENANCE: American private collection

PERIOD: 1850-1870 ca.