Traditional Mi'kmaq basket weaving is one of the many arts and crafts made available to Stone Bear visitors

THE ART OF MAKING AN ASH BASKET

Selection Process:

This includes the visitation to the forest in search of the perfect "Ash Tree". The Ash needs to be free of knots, twists, and any blemishes that may effect the growth ring pattern. Geographically, the ash needs lots of competition with other species of trees, so that the growth rate will slow down, this allows for tighter rings and finer splints. In other words, the tree will have a smaller diameter, and yet be of older age. Sometimes these perfect Ash trees seem to jump out of the forest, as if to say" Take Me". When this happens, the belief is that they are offering themselves.

Harvesting:

This is done with the understanding that the Ash tree is part of God's creation, so we must ask for forgiveness if we are to take the tree's life. We must also pray that its spirit will be released in a good way, and that we must promise to do the best that we can with our hands, mind, and heart. The Ash tree would be more valuable standing in the forest than to have it cut down and wasted. Last, but not least, it is important to give something back in place of the tree that is removed. What you leave is not as important as how you leave it.

Preparation:

Once the length of tree has been determined, the section is then split in half, quartered, and split again and once again to the desired width of splint needed; then, it is squared by shaving the section so that the growth rings are running parallel. One of the characteristic of the ash is when it is lightly pounded or pressed, it will separate at each growth ring. This process is repeated several times alternating from the bark side to the heart side of its length. When this is completed the individual splints are shaved or sanded to the desired smoothness.

Weaving:

There are no two baskets alike: they vary in size and shape; some are tall,some short. Words cannot teach a person to weave. It is something that needs to be experienced. I suggest you spend a little time with your local Basket Weaver.

ENJOY