Déné arts and crafts

Summary: The Dene people have been producing handicrafts for countless years by utilizing materials, including wood and bark, hides, porcupine quills, organiz dyes and roots from plants which are immediately available to them. The majority of the handicrafts were accomplished by the women of the tribe who spent many hours on intricate and unique crafts. The Dene of the present, like other Indian tribes, no longger depend entirely upon their natural environment as a source of craft materials. For example, they have the choice of purchasing a commerical tanned hide or preparing one the traditional way. However, many Indian people still use their crafting skills in making garments, costumes, and even their work tools, thereby producing a combination of traditional and modern. This book attempts to combine the old with the new by suggesting alternate materials for most crafts. The illustrations play an important role because they follow closely with the text and should enable teachers and students to clearly visualize the various teps in the making of each item. We hope this book will stimulate an interest in Dene craftsmanship and enhance its development.