Wigwas: Bark Biting

Program of exhibition of birch bark bitings made by Angelique Merasty of Beaver Lake, Manitoba. Includes information and a bibliography on birch bark biting.

Historical note:

Angelique Merasty was born in Beaver Lake, Manitoba in 1924. In her youth, her mother taught her the art of birch bark biting "wigwas" or "chews" and she continued to practice until her death. Birch bark bitings are thin layers of birch bark with a design bitten into the bark with the eye tooth. The designs were originally used to create patterns for decorative work applied to traditional leather clothing. Birch bark bitings were usually made by First Nations women as a social activity at their gatherings. This art form is a tradition of the Woodland Cree and was developed hundreds of years ago.