Micmac & Maliseet Decorative Traditions / Traditions Décoratives Micmac & Maliseet

The intention of this catalogue is to bring to public attention the beautiful traditional arts created by the Micmac and Maliseet people of Eastern Canada, those who possess this rich decorative tradition have good cause to be proud of their heritage.

The sale of decorative items had since the early 17th century, offered the women a small seasonal income. The 19th century witnessed the development of the traditional crafts as a more dependable source of income. The rapid changes which occured in the Indian lifestyle as a result of the increased interaction with the "white man" during this century, were reflected in the accelerated modifications of design and form in native arts and crafts. This was the time, when a new study called ethnology developed. It caught the public's interest, and many Victorians enthusiastically began collecting "ethnological materials". The beautiful crafts made from traditional materials, in traditional patterns which were often modified into shapes and dimension which suited the white man's needs were, however, eagerly purchased.

This native art was cherished by the Victorians and some items eventually were donated to the Provincial Museum where they constitute a significant part of the ethnology collection. That which is rarely acquired are the decorative arts applied to objects made for Indian use. The Museum is fortunate to own a number of Micmac and Maliseet ceremonial costumes and accoutrements. A study of the evolution of native art in both decorative items fabricated to serve Indian needs and those created for sale to the white man, offers much valuable information about the significant transitions in the distinctive Micmac and Maliseet cultures during the 19th century.

Illustrated with 51 mostly black and white photos of clothings, caps, moccasins, brooches, pipes, canoe, sled and cradle models, chair seat, place mat, baskets, pockets, purses, trunks, cases, boxes, fans and ornaments, including fine art paintings and drawings about native peoples.