The pioneer home museum recently acquired many new artifacts; among these artifacts are two birch-bark bitings; also called birch bark transparencies. Birch-barkbitings are quite unique and uncommon because each piece is made separately, no two are alike. It is the northern Woodland Cree Women who first started creating these pieces of art.Birch-bark biting is produced by folding a thin sheet of birch bark and biting the innermost layer with the eye tooth - the bite pressures can either pierce the bark pieces into a lace, or just make certain areas thinner to allow for light to pass through. When unfolded, the birch bark would then reveal a symmetrical design. A small biting can be created in as little as two to three minutes.
Birch bark bitings can be made into a variety of forms, including butterflies, humming birds, frogs, etc. This art form was originally used as templates for patterns used for quillwork designs and more serious beadwork, as well as for entertainmentand the designs were used to showcase symbolical and religious significance. After they had served their purpose they were discarded. The patterns used in birch bark bitings are passed down within families, and are considered akin to intellectual property. In order to use another artist’s patterns, an artist would first need to obtain the permission of the other artist.
Thanks to a famous birch-bark artist, Angelique Merasty, birch-bark bitings are now of significant value. These art pieces now range in prices starting at ninety-five dollars and some have been appraised at over one thousand dollars. These pieces of art can be found all over North America in museums including the Museum of Man and Nature in Winnipeg, MB, the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., and many others. Though the practice almost died out at one point after Merasty passed away, there are an estimated dozen practitioners left in Canada and the United States, some of whom display the craft in contexts outside of their original intentions to show evidence of this ancient practice.
The increasing rarity of birch bark bitings makes them very special. They are so delicate that older pieces have not survived. The bark is very thin and can be damaged by changes in humidity, long exposure to direct sunlight, as well as during transport. Having a birch bark biting framed, and keeping it out of the sun can help to prevent damage.
