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The origin of basket making in Labrador is difficult to pinpoint,
but the strongest evidence points to its similarities to Alaskan basketry, both
in method and design, and therefore would be historically indigenous to the
Arctic and sub-Arctic Inuit.
The Labrador grass work is of the sewn coiled type of construction, consisting of bunches of grass being sewn into a continuous coil by a whip stitch with a needle, thimble, and grass as thread. The Latin word for the grass is, Ammophila arenavia or "ivik" in Inuktitut. It is commonly called salt water grass, sea grass or goose grass. It grows along the coast of Labrador and in Hamilton Inlet. Produced today mainly in Rigolet, some grass work is also made in Nain, Hopedale and Cartwright.Grass work has a variety of purposes. Good quality, finely sewn grass is waterproof and has been used in a practical way for waterproof hats and buckets as well as for containers and mats of all shapes and sizes. The grass work is also hardy and stands up to long years of use as place mats for hot pots. Grass workers in Rigolet are beginning to experiment with natural dyes from berries and lichens. These delicate dyes blend subtly with the natural green, pink and lilac tints of the sea grass. Grass work is crafted in all sizes from doll miniatures to large baskets, mats and trays up to ten and fifteen inches ( 25 - 40cm ) in diameter. Some native, Labrador women, have preserved the skills of their ancestors creating many different things out of grass. Here are a few close-ups of the detail that goes into this work.
Go to : Many hours of skill and pride has gone into every piece, sewing the long blades of choice, dried, grass, which they harvest at the right time of year and store in the ways that they were taught by their ancestors. These baskets and grass items were not made for looks for they played a very importune part in their culture, items of necessity and pride. There are only a few grass-sewers left on the Labrador today. This makes these beautiful grass works very rare and highly sought-after. Location / Carvers / Painters / Guest Book / Labrador Links / Shipping / Photo Gallery Information & Events/
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Please take time to sign the guest book, and enjoy the photos in the photo gallery. Any question you may have please feel free to email. phone or fax me. ( Herb Brown) Last modified: 24 Apr 2000 |
