Our Lives in Our Hands: Micmac Indian Basketmakers

Product Description
"For the past 200 years, the Micmac Indians of Maine, the Canadian Maritimes, Quebec, and Newfoundland have relied on the income from basket sales to supplement their earnings from seasonal occupations such as digging potatoes and raking blueberries. Traditionally the baskets were made out of economic necessity, but more recently the Micmacs have come to appreciate the beauty, durability, and utility of their baskets and, with a resurgence of pride, are taking steps to preserve the art for their posterity - and ours. A fascinating overview of this Native American craft!" Down East
Review
"A fascinating book about art and the importance of self-determination."
Bloomsbury Review\n"More than a documentation of things crafted, this book itself is finely and lovingly crafted. . . . It paints a vivid picture, richly in detail. There is a history of birchbark ("maskwe"), dyed porcupine quills, cattails, sweetgrass, spruce roots. . . . There is also history of political alliances gone bad, of lost hunting grounds of meager payment for labor and crafts, of sportshunters and 'rusticators,' summer people who intruded but also provided markets. The biographical portraits and photographs of basketmakers are as tightly woven as ash splints in a basket.
Maine Progressive\n"This beautiful exhibit catalog contains an informative historical essay on the Micmacs and biographies of contemporary Micmac basketmakers of Aroostook County. It is illustrated with photographs by [Micmac] Donald Sanipass."
The Times Record\n"Meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated."
Maine Sunday Telegram\n"McBride's knowledge of her subject is apparent in the telling details woven into her straightforward, yet graceful prose. . . . The book is a tribute to the human spirit which endured long enough for a shameful badge of poverty to become recognized as art. . . . The book is a gift to the state and the nation, a recognition of the importance of the age-old union of hand and wood and of the enduring power - and elegant grace - of a basic survival craft." Donna Gold, Kennebec Journal
From the Author
"An especially important book." Yankee Magazine