Discovering Birch Bark Biting: An Aboriginal Art Form with Rosella Carney
Explore the traditional art of birch bark biting through the insights of Rosella Carney, an artist from Saskatchewan. This lesson begins with an engaging video introducing the technique and culminates in a hands-on activity where students can create their own designs. As they learn to fold the birch bark and bite patterns that reveal symmetry, they are encouraged to observe symmetrical elements in nature and their surroundings. Students will also learn about Rosella's background and her connection to Cree culture, deepening their appreciation for Indigenous art forms.
Discovering Birch Bark Biting: An Aboriginal Art Form with Rosella Carney
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Presentation Transcript
Rosella CarneyBirch Bark Biting Artist AboriginalPerspectives.uregina.ca
Instructions • Show students Video 1: Birch Bark Biting • Take some time to discuss what students thought of while they watched the video clip. • Lead them through the following slides that explain how to do a birch bark biting (or an alternative to birch bark biting). • There is also some informational slides for them to see.
Creating a birch bark biting • In the video clip, Rosella explains that you can fold your piece of birch bark 1, 2, 3 or 4 times. • Once this step is done, you bite your design/shape on one side. • When you open up your folded birch bark you will have a symmetrical design. • What other things in our environment are symmetrical? Take a look around the classroom or browse around in nature.
Don’t have birch bark handy? Try one of these alternatives. • Patty paper (patty paper is what is put between hamburger patties when they are frozen and can be purchased at the grocery store) • Carbon paper (try an office store) • Wax paper (easiest to find and very cheap)
Biography Break: Rosella Carney • Rosella is from Molanosa, Saskatchewan; which is just north of Montreal Lake. • She is one of a handful of people who still practice the art of birch bark biting. • She learned this form of art from a cultural resource teacher. • Rosella also is talented at the art of moose-hair tufting. • She teaches the Cree language. • She currently resides in La Ronge, Saskatchewan.
Choosing a design/shape for your birch bark biting… • When Rosella creates a birch bark biting she first imagines her ideas and shapes out how she wants it to look in her mind. • She finds that circles are the easiest. She creates triangles to represent things like skirts or tipis. • Her favorite designs are of geese, ducks, chickens and other birds. • She is talented at what she does. In the video she shows us a biting she made that represented 8 girls dancing!
Now let’s look at the lines of symmetry found in birch bark bitings
Other Aboriginal art forms where you can find symmetry: • Star blankets • Parfleche bags • Beaded arts • Moccasins
