Nez Perce Cradleboard

The literal interpretation of the word cradle in the Nez Perce language is, "Small portable baby bed made of buckskin." Nez Perce cradleboards have many of the same characteristics as Salish cradles. The cradles are made on large, flat, oval-shaped boards that are much wider towards the upper ends and covered with skins. The skins are attached in such a way that they blouse out in the front to form pouches to hold a baby. The rest of the skins fit smoothly over the baseboards which are usually decorated with massive floral designs in applique beadwork. The hood of the cradleboard is adorned with bits of shell to keep the baby entertained.
The Nez Perce received its name from the French nez perce "pierced nose," and was also used by members of the Corps of Discovery led by Merryweather Lewis and William Clark in 1805. Why the French and Americans used the term remains a mystery since the Nez Perce never practiced nose piercing. It is thought that one may have worn a nose pendant. The Nez Perce refer to themselves as Ni MII Pu (also Numipu or Nimipu. "the People").
Cradle in Nez Perce language: to-ka-ash

Front-facing view of the cradle.