IN PERSON WORKSHOP
Date: November 13, 2024
Instructor: Jennifer Lee
Workshop Description: We will be making a small bark basket known as a Mokok. A Mokok is a Northeast woodland Native American-style container made of bark and stitched with spruce roots. They were initially devised to collect valuable items and to store food. The season for harvesting bark varies by species, weather, and growing environment. The bark roots and branches are wild harvested by her family in the Northern Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts in preparation for her courses. The sustainable harvesting of Bark, Roots, and Red Willow will be discussed in class.
The Mokuk's shape is often the same. The bottom is rectangular, and the top is round or oval. In this class, you’ll learn to sew with spruce roots that you’ll prepare. An inner and outer rim are made by splitting a red willow stick and gradually bending it. Different stitching patterns will be shown. If you finish in time and so desire, you can embellish your basket with a collar and appliqué.
The instructor provides all basket materials, including bark, spruce roots, willow sticks, etc.
Supplies: All tools will be provided. Students may wish to bring their tools to class: Scissors, a utility knife, needle-nose pliers, a four-sided awl, and a bowl for water. Garden gloves may help protect the skin. An apron is recommended.
Materials/Handouts Fee: $30
Attendee Limit: 22
Instructor Bio: Jennifer Lee has been enjoying making bark baskets for 40 years. Her interest began with the study of her Northeast woodland Native American ancestors. She teaches bark basket classes and educational programs extensively. She’s received awards at the Mohegan Wigwam Festival, Saratoga Native American Festival, the Kearsarge Indian Museum, the Deerfield Craft Show, and the North Carolina Basketmakers Association.
Mokok Bark Basket
In-person workshop at the November meeting.
10am - 12 noon