A Mono rattan and fiber cradle USA, Mono. 20th century. 33 3/4"h x 15 1/2"w x 10"d.
Catalog Note: Cradle boards or baby carriers were utilized by almost all of the tribes of North America. Remnants of cradles have been found dating back to as early as 1200 A.D. They were made in many different styles, but all served the same basic purpose to transport or carry an infant. Cradles were produced throughout all regions of California and were made of basketry materials such as willow, reed, tule, or roots. The two basic forms of cradles in California were a “sitting cradle,” and “slipper-shaped cradle,” which usually included a hood or sunshade. The sitting cradles were scoop-=shaped and usually made with bent willow rods. These cradles were made by the Pomo, Wintun, and other tribes in the central region of California. The slipper-shaped cradles were generally made in the Northern areas by the Hupa, Yurok, and Karok tribes, and were usually made of hazel rod and root fiber. Among the Paiute tribes in Eastern California, the cradles were usually skin-covered with a curved hood and decorated with beadwork. These cradles resembled those of the Plains and Great Basin areas because of their close proximity. Symbolic designs were created on the Paiute cradleboards to indicate the sex of the baby. Most infants spent much of their early life in the cradles from the moment of birth, until they able to walk. Sometimes objects such as feathers or beads were dangled from the hood of the cradles to occupy and entertain the infant. The cradles could be carried in the arms or by a strap which was passed across the mother’s forehead or chest. Cradleboard images courtesy of Red Earth Museum Oklahoma City, Ok
Provenance: Collection of John Woodall.

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