Shoshone Cradleboard

The Western Shoshone are known for two types of cradles a boat basket used by a newborn and a hoop cradle to which the child was transferred when strong enough to hold his or her head up. Wild dogwood or rosewood willows were used for the boat basket and for the construction of the frames for the hoop cradleboard.
A warming method allowed the maker to form the hoop frame by tying the top and bottom frames together. It was then tied down to a flat surface for several weeks to prevent it from twisting out of shape. The willows were always cut to fit the frame.
To block the sun from the baby's face, a shade of willow was added to the basket. It was woven in an open-twined weave with the pattern announcing the gender of the child. A diamond pattern was used for a baby girl and a diagonal line indicated a male baby. The shade not only provided protection from the sun and wind but also for the child's face and head if the cradle was knocked over. Using metal and glass beads when available, Shoshones beaded around the top of the basket, the sides and the shade edging, creating a colorful carrier.
These cradleboards are still in use today. Many families have other tribal members or relatives who create a cradle for them since there are those who have not kept up the tradition of making cradles. Modern changes have been made in the construction of the cradleboard including the use of canvas-like material allowing for a cooler, washable and more available cover for the cradle. Yarn is also used on the shade for the patterns, and cloth around the edging adds more color.
Cradle in Shoshone language: kohnon
Cradleboard in Shoshone language: gohno

Side-facing view of the cradle.