1

Quill Weaving Techniques - "Atonaan"
1986
Fort Whoop-Up National Historic Site


Credits:
John C. Ewers

2

Quill Work - "Atonaan"

Porcupine quills were the material of choice for First Nations women as closely woven or string decorative materials. Long thin quills from a young porcupine were preferential as being more pliable. Quillwork could be done in it's natural color, or dyed with natural ochres made from plants or minerals.

The technique of quillwork was never totally replaced by beadwork. Throughout the "Real bead" period the two crafts existed side by side, and the fastening and weaving techniques were similar with both quills and beads.

Varying Methods of sewing single porcupine quills to a flat surface

A.) Two parallel lines of thread pass through the leather at intervals, as the quill is folded under the thread between each stitch
Appearance: A narrow band with the quills running at right angles to the band.

B.) Similar to (A) except that the width of the band varies to produce patterns.
Appearance: The width of the band varies to produce patterns.

C.) A loop stitch is used to fix the quills diagonally on the band

D.) & F.) The quill is crossed over itself at an angle , then sewn to the fabric by a spot stitch, at offset angles.
Appearance: A V-shaped surface pattern

E.) Plaiting: Tow Two quills are wound by crossing each other at oblique angles, over and under.
Appearance: A diamond back pattern

3

Straight up Headdress- "Okamiipoohsaam" or "Mokamiipoohsaami"
Circa 1900
Fort Whoop-Up National Historic Site


Credits:
Gord Tolton

4

Porcupine Quill Sticks for a Head Dress
1930
Fort Whoop-Up National Historic Site


Credits:
Gord Tolton

5

Porcupine Quilled, Buckskin Pants - "Ippotsiisoohsa'tsis"
Circa 1920s
Fort Whoop-Up National Historic Site


Credits:
Qinn Pereverseff

6

Flathead Head Dress - "Okamiipoohsaam" or "Mokamiipoohsaami"
1870
Fort Whoop-Up National Historic Site


Credits:
Gord Tolton

7

Straight Up Feather Headdress/War Bonnet (Saami) - "Okamiipoohsaam" or "Mokamiipoohsaami"
1870
Fort Whoop-Up National Historic Site


Credits:
Gord Tolton

8

Flathead Head Dress - "Okamiipoohsaam" or "Mokamiipoohsaami"
1870
Fort Whoop-Up National Historic Site


Credits:
Gord Tolton

9

Head Dress- "Okamiipoohsaam" or "Mokamiipoohsaami"
1940
Glenbow Archives, Calgary, Alberta


Credits:
Gord Tolton