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Cradleboard (Mohawk), c. 1850
Wood, native paint, rawhide
Eiteljorg Museum.Gift: Courtesy of Harrison Eiteljorg.91.16.25
Cradleboards
These are "cradleboards."Babies were wrapped in beautiful blankets,
held securely in the cradleboards and carried on someone's back, hung
from a tree or propped up nearby.
Among some cultures, cradleboards were called "third mothers."Their first
mother was the Earth, their second mother was their natural mother, and
their third mother was their cradleboard.
Don & Debra McQuiston, 1996
Passing Traditions
Safe in their cradleboards, children began the first step of learning
traditions:observing and being in harmony with people and nature. Small
objects were often hung from the bow bar or the hood to entertain the
baby.
With the designs on the cradleboards or on the clothing and blankets
wrapped around them, the child first experienced the spirituality and
rituals of their culture.
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