Birch Bark Cut Out Pins by Lois Beardslee, Ojibwe Artist and Author

In March, I had the distinct honor of being invited to display my work at a theatrical performance of "Sacred Sites" at the Rose Theater in Omaha, Nebraska. During this three day performance, I was introduced to Lois Beardslee who contributed to the writing of the play. Lois had a display of her birch bark work that included cut outs, bitings, and paintings. Her books were on display as were her quill work, sweet grass baskets and the most wonderful smelling sweet grass hat she had woven.

Not only is she a wonderful talent, she is a remarkable woman. Lois lives on her family farm in Maple City, MI part of the year and in her remote family camps in northern Ontarior the rest of the year. She is a graduate of the University of New Mexico and has authored several books including Lies to Live By, Warrior Women, Rachel's Children, and Not Far Away.

Between performances, I purchased the birch bark pins that are shown here. I fully intended to purchase a "biting" at the close of the show. However, I got very busy in my display area, and Lois was gone before I got the job done. I am sure that Lois would have a story to tell about putting things off! I should not have waited when I knew full well that I wanted one. Lois is one of the few, if not the only, person left who does birch bark "bitings", an old Ojibwe art form.
I still intend to have one to add to my trail of treasures.

The pictures are the pins I purchased and one of Lois collecting her bark in the woods of Canada. Back of Pin, Gigohn (Fish), Gigonh (Fish), Mknaak (Turtle), Myiingunh (Wolf), Shigaak (Skunk), Waaboos (Rabbit)