Iroquois Cradleboard

Iroquois cradleboards have many Woodland traits reflecting their homelands. They consist of a flat, stiff backing frame equipped with a stearn bent U-shaped footrest and face guard. The top area of the board, above the baby's head, often features carved and painted decorations. Traditional Iroquois cradles are padded with moss, shredded bark, cattail down or similar materials which comforts and keeps the baby dry. After being bundled, the child is secured on the board with wide bands that sometimes feature elaborate decorations.
Most Mohawk cradleboards reflect the basic components of the Woodland cradleboard. One variation is that the back of the board is often carved or painted with designs reflecting the clan for which it is made. Pine, basswood, hickory or ash are used for the board and head guard. Cotton or flannels are used for the bag, and rawhide is used for ties. Beads, Red Tail hawk feathers and paints, stains and oil are used to ornament the board. The creator of a cradleboard will sometimes burn tobacco in thanks for all the materials used.
Cradle in Mohawk language: Kahsennanoron

Front-facing view of the cradle.