Mohawk Cradleboard

This Mohawk cradleboard, dating to the mid-1800s, is crafted from wood and pigment. Mohawk cradleboards often included hand-carved backboards, protective U-shaped headrests, and decorative motifs representing clan identity. Each cradle was unique, and many featured bold patterns painted onto the wood. These cradleboards were more than carriers—they were living expressions of familial love and cultural belonging.

Front-facing view of the cradle.