Twined Bags and Twined Baskets Vera harvesting milkweed for maling twined baskets and twined bags.
Twined baskets, bags and containers pre-date the ash splint baskets that the Wabanaki people are known for. It is the oldest method of basket making known in the North Eastern United States. Native American women gathered and processed plants to make baskets, bags and containers. Twining is very well documented in the 17th & 18th centuries. By the 19th century, the trail of tangible evidence of Wabanaki twining in the far North East went dry, giving scholars the impressions that twined bag and basket making was given up long ago. However it was never lost in the Longtoe family.
About the Artist Vera twining a textile - twined wrap skirt.
Vera Longtoe Sheehan is enrolled in the *Elnu Abenaki Tribe. She follows in the footsteps of her ancestors. She first started learning about fiber arts as a child. She makes twined bags, twined baskets and twined textiles from both hand rolled and comercially rolled plant fiber cordage. Each of her twined items is hand made. Depending on size, it can take hours, days, weeks or even months to complete. They are environmentally friendly, made from plants, which are quick growing, renewable resources.
Vera offers several classes and programs, on Native American culture, traditions and crafts, which are appropiate for audiences of all ages. She has been doing lectures and demonstrations at tribal events, schools, museums and historic sites for almost twenty years. Some of these locations are Ft. Ticonderoga, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum and the Echo Lake Aquarium & Science Center.
Vera has been researching Wabanaki history and culture for over twenty years. She is a citizen of the Elnu Abenaki Tribe and member of the Woodland Confederacy, a living history organization.
Vera and some of her hand made items have appeared in the following documentaries and a historical fiction films: Before the Lake was Champlain, 1609: The Otherside of History and Changeling (AKA Dawnland).
Please see the Exhibits page, for items currently on exhibit.
* The Elnu Abenaki Tribe is recognized by the State of Vermont as a Native American Tribe (Refer to Sec 1.1 V.S.A.§ 853a). Verification can be made by contacting the Tribal Headquarters.
Email Vera at vlongtoe@vtindigenous.com
Page Views:
