Cradle Board
ClassificationsFurnishings-Furniture-cradles and cribs
CulturePossibly
Yurok
CulturePossibly
Hupa
CulturePossibly
Karok
Date19th Century
Made AtCalifornia, United States, North America
MediumHazelnut shoot and deer rawhide
Dimensions12 × 24 in. (30.5 × 61 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mrs. George Tsuda
Object number39635.1
DescriptionThis object is an 18th century cradle board made in the lower Klamath River region of Northern California. Based on the location of its manufacture, it was most likely made by either the Yurok, Hupa, or Karok people. Babies sat with their legs hanging freely in cradles such as this, with leather straps holding them firmly and safely in place. Twigs inserted at the bottom formed a foot rest used during the baby's infancy. When traveling, the cradle was strapped to the mother's back. When at home, it was usually fastened to a nearby tree where the baby could observe the activities surrounding them. A separate conical-peaked sun shield was usually used with this type of cradle board. The cradles were often kept by families as heirlooms and for use by successive generations.On View
Not on viewCollections
Paiute
