If Looks Could Quill

Abstract

Porcupine quillwork has long been practiced as a form of self-adornment by the Mi’kmaq peoples. The Mi’kmaq peoples reside on the unceded territory of Mi’kma’ki, the region spanning across what is now known as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, as well as parts of Québec, Newfoundland, and Maine. Following the arrival of colonial settlers, this decorative art form was redirected toward the production of souvenirs and became a highly tradable commodity, appearing on household objects such as chair backs, straight razor covers, and, most commonly, trinket boxes. Thanks to the tireless efforts of several Mi’kmaq artists, quillwork has been revitalized and reimagined, thus affirming its place within the contemporary art world.