Quill Artists

About Quillworkers

In the gentle, rolling landscapes surrounding Little Traverse Bay, a rich tapestry of artistry, cultural perseverance, and shared wisdom comes alive through the meticulous hands of the quillworkers of the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians. To the unacquainted, quillwork is an ancient, intricate art form, harnessing the delicate quills of porcupines, dyed in an array of vibrant colors and skillfully woven or embroidered onto various mediums. Yet, to the Odawa, this artistry is a channel through which stories are told, traditions are preserved, and the past is intricately linked with the present and future.

At the heart of this community of artisans, quillwork is not merely an art but a sacred practice, interwoven with the threads of Odawa identity and continuity. Each piece, meticulously crafted, is an embodiment of the rich history, spirited resilience, and deeply rooted beliefs of the tribe. Quillworkers are revered storytellers and cultural carriers, their hands deftly moving through motions passed down through generations, intertwining each quill with prayers, tales, and well-wishes. They carry forward the legacy and wisdom of their ancestors, not just through finished artifacts, but through a living art that breathes life into history, and solidifies the perpetuity of their stories.