top of page
Porcupine quilled birch bark baskets with geometric triangle designs in red, blue and cream

RCIN 84306.  Images:  Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023.

lid of birch bark basket with porcupine quilled feather and border designs in red, blue and cream.

Makak made by Polly Soper, 1860 (maker confirmed by birchbark label inside), RCIN 84306. 7.5 x 12.0 x 8.0 cm.  Polly Soper, aged 55, was married to Robert Soper. She was listed as unable to read or write on the 1861 census. In 1848 she won Best Hand Basket and Cradle at the Cobourg Fair.

porcupine quillwork on birch bark in feather shapes

Makak Polly Soper gaa zhittood (biinji wiigwaas ing wgii toon wdi zhinikaazwin) aapta goodwak shi naanan giin sabongizi minwaa Robert Soper an wgii wiidgemon Gaawiin ge wiin gii gidaasii ge gii zhibiigesii kidoomgad census 1861. Gii pkinaage zhitood makak ge taknaagan odi Cobourg fair 1848.

porcupine quillwork on birch bark in feather shapes

Makak fait par Polly Soper, 1860 (artisane identifiée par l’étiquette en écorce de bouleau à l’intérieur), RCIN 84306. 7,5 cm x 12 cm x 8 cm.  Polly Soper, âgée de 55 ans, mariée à Robert Soper, est inscrite comme ne sachant ni lire ni écrire au recensement de 1861. En 1848, elle a remporté le prix du meilleur panier à main et du meilleur berceau à la foire de Cobourg.

Porcupine quilled birch bark basket, lid and tag with narrow, quill-bound braid of sweetgrass
Handwritten inscription on birch bark tag: "by Polly Soper Rice Lake"
bottom of page