Kronau Marvelous Museum & Creative Corner

Birch bark baskets have been used for hundreds of years for a number of different applications. Traditionally they were used for carrying food, water and storage. Birch bark can also be used to make canoes and spirit dishes.  Birch bark is a surprisingly durable material. Natural waxes in the tree make it water proof and when prepared properly even fire resistant. The optimal time to harvest birch bark is in spring or early summer when sap flows, ensuring easier removal without harming the tree. Only the top layer of bark is taken, leaving the brownish underlayer intact for the tree’s survival. It is then flattened between plywood pieces, sometimes dampened to aid in bending. Promptly forming the basket after harvesting ensures easier bending. The design is traced onto the bark’s back with a pencil and cut using scissors or a sharp knife. Finally, the basket is shaped using a metal ruler for precise folds. Once fastened together by stitching through holes with strips of moose hide, decorative embroidery is added to the basket.