Native Americans used porcupine quillwork as decoration on clothing and implements long before contact with Europeans brought trade goods such as glass beads. The application of quills took various forms, all of which were time-consuming and tedious, but produced some of the most beautiful and natural artistic expressions known in North America. This quillwork is made much as Native Americans did. The pieces are inspired by, but not copied exactly, from pre-1840 designs. Every piece is unique and has its own particular qualities.
Wrapped work is done on rawhide, never plastic.
A light coating of bear grease is applied to the quills after the piece is completed to keep the colors fresh and the quills from drying.