Ancient Ways - Fort Washakie, Wyoming

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Beadwork
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Cradleboards
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Cradleboards

In the days before car seats and play pens, Indian babies were carried in cradleboards that could be strapped on their mothers' back or propped up in the tipi while the mother did her chores. cradleboards protected the baby from danger and allowed the mother freedom to work and travel. Often the boards were decorated with elaborate beadwork that told stories of the parents' dreams for their child. Traditionally, the top of the cradleboard represented the baby's brain, while the red beaded line that encircled it was the baby's life path. Indian toys were often simply miniatures of adult tools, so it was common for young girls to play with tiny cradleboards as they learned and practiced the art of motherhood with their dolls.

Miniature cradleboard
6" x 3" x 3-1/2"
$200

Small cradleboard
13" x 6" x 5"
$900

Ancient Ways, LLC
156 Old Wind River Highway
Fort Washakie, Wyoming 82514
1-307-332-6001 Fax: 1-307-332-5367
Toll Free: 1-877-591-1779
info@ancientwayswest.com