Name/Title
Letter from William A. Light to Harry George.Entry/Object ID
Q1430.635.9dDescription
Vol. II, pg. 9d
Letter from William A. Light to Harry George regarding baskets made by the Chippewa Indians of Lake Superior and who might be selling them.
Hayward Training School, Wis., July 24th, 1908.
Harry L. George,
St. Joseph, Mo.,
Sir:-
Answering your inquiry of the 22nd instant, relative to baskets made by the Indians of this section, I have to say that the Chippewa Indians of Lake Superior make baskets of two materials, and of many shapes. A Number of baskets that I have seen made from ash splints, resemble the shapes and sizes of commercial baskets. Some of them however, have distinct Indian design.
The other material used is “sweet grass”, and from it I have seen made some very elegant small baskets. Its fragrance is very attractive. Birch bark is usually used in combination with it.
I have none of thse baskets foe sale and do not know where they can be purchased. They are made in season when the material is obtainable, and are “peddled” by the maker. The last one I purchased was obtained from Mrs. Antoine Pero, of Odanah, Wisconsin. It may be worth your while to apply to her if you desire some of the baskets.
I should be glad to receive orders for these articles, and could fill them in season, but the demand does not warrant the purchase of a stock for the market. All that I have purchased are for my private collection.
Very respectfully,
William A. Light
Superintendent.Subject
Light, William A.
Department of the Interior
United States Indian Service
Hayward Training School, Wisconsin
Chippewa
Basket
Basket -- Sweet Grass
Pero, Mrs. AntoineSubject Person/Organization
Harry L. George CollectionCollection
Harry L. George Collection
