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Traditional Crafts

Puzzle Pouches

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Course Overview

The puzzle pouch is a medium sized buckskin and wool bag used to securely hold valuables such as tobacco, money, silver, and other ceremonial belongings. It is heavily decorated with beadwork and difficult to get into (hence the term “puzzle pouch”) and commonly used by many tribes in the Great Lakes regions during the seventeenth through nineteenth centuries. In this course, students will sew a puzzle pouch using smoked buckskin prepared by the instructor and his family. Greg Biskakone Johnson is Anishinaabe cultural practitioner from Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin who teaches a variety of traditional crafts throughout the upper Midwest. He infuses his teaching with stories and insights into modern Anishinaabe life.  

Optional Tools

  • Bring a favorite pair of sharp scissors or other leather sewing and beadwork tools if you have them.
  • Bring reading glasses if you need them.

Dates

Fri, Apr 7th, 2023  –  Sun, Apr 9th, 2023

Course Details

Hours: 9am-5pm each day
Tuition: $330.00
Materials fee: $145.00
Latest Update: View recent changes →

Meet the Instructor

North House Folk School photo of instructor, Greg Biskakone Johnson
Greg Biskakone Johnson
Lac du Flambeau, WI

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Puzzle Pouches