Untitled

Mi’kmaq women were producing quillwork for use as furniture panels by the mid-19th century. These panels were used by cabinetmakers in the Maritimes and many other parts of the world
to decorate chairs, table tops, log holders and other domestic items. Furniture decorated with panels of quilled birchbark particularly appealed to the Victorian taste for elaborate decoration in their homes. Mi'kmaq-made chair seat with matching back came on the market around 1870 and remained popular through to 1900. The style of this piece suggests an 1890s date. The chair back panel features the eight legged starfish and compass work designs. The chair seat features compass work and stepped designs. The vivid colours and fine condition indicate that this piece has never been used. (The piece was donated to the museum in 1929.)