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Bark basket
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In the subarctic regions of Alaska and Canada, birch, dogwood, and willow thrive on the tundra and in coniferous forests. Traditionally, the Athabascan-speaking people of these interior regions followed a seasonal cycle of migration, taking advantage of the resources of their ecosystem, from land-based herds of caribou to marine life near coastlines. Birchbark containers were used for berry gathering, food storage, and even hauling water. To obtain the material, only the outer bark is scored and removed, without harming the life cycle of the tree. The bark is then folded into shape and stitched together with lashing made of spruce or willow root. The rim strengthens the basket and maintains its contours. Today, artists such as Edna Deacon of Grayling, Alaska, make bark baskets for sale and for home use.
Alaska
Alaska