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"Most Plain tribes had a tradition of Mythology to explain the origin of quillwork. The Blackfoot maintain that the "Thunder Beings" brought the porcupine and taught the use of quills to the people."

"The Cheyennes learned the sacred art from "Buffalo Wife" and founded a quillworker's guild based upon her instructions."

"The Sioux were tought by "Double Woman" a being that appeared in a vision as a human, but disappeared as a deer and anyone who dreams of her is considered "wakan" and unexcelled in quillwork"

"Among the Blackfoot quillwork was the province of a few women, members of a quillworkers society. Before begining to work they prayed, painted their hands and wore a certain protective amulet. The first item quilled, often moccasins, was given to the spirits.
"The Cheyenne had perhaps the most rigidly controlled quillworkers' guild. Members could not be selected by those who already belonged to the organization. Membership was purely on the basis of ability.Cheyenne guild work could be done only during the daylight hours, to work at other time, was to risk blindness. "
"Related by Cathy Smith on the Book of Buckskinning III"

Daddy sure enjoyed making all this stuff, too bad he is not interested in selling it...
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