This exquisitely decorated woman’s hood, made by someone in one of the coastal communities of the James Bay Cree around 1850, is the first purchase of a historical artefact for the permanent collection of Aanischaaukamikw. It is a testament to the skill of Cree seamstresses, to their complex and dynamic design sense, and to an evolution of local and international material and influences. The historical photo, taken inMoose Factory or Fort Albany in the 1850’s illustrates how the hoods were worn.

Museums build their exhibitions and programmes around collections and for a new institution like Aanischaaukamikw, it’s essential to assemble artefacts, films, photos, and information that will make up the collections.

This purchase was made possible by a grant from the Acquisition Fund of the Aanischaaukamikw Foundation.

Stephen Inglis