THIS TYPE OF CRADLE is normally referred to as a "sitting cradle". Baby, or in this case a doll, would be in a sitting position and then laced in so mom would be free to work. This toy Hupa cradle is woven with hazel shoots and stems, the buff color is native split conifer root while the darker color is native split redbud shoots. The cradle has aged and mellowed to a golden brown. This sweet toy still has the blessing bundle tied to it's side (perhaps off the little girl's own cradle) consisting of much treasured Russian cobalt blue beads, Peking glass blue beads, shells, abalone drops and a small oriental coin or token. These small treasures would have been for the eye movement and enjoyment of the baby. The Hupa tribe covers a large area in Northwest California and I have shown a map and put a star on their location.

CONDITION: As stated, this was made for a little girl to play with, but also, for her to learn what would be expected from her when she was a mother. Some of the outer frame wrapping is breaking, the frame as a whole is strong. At some point, a hole was made in the back so it could be hung (I put the fishing line on to hang it, sorry, forgot to take off when photographing), there is a spot of white paint near the bottom on the back. The saddest observation is the lack of the woven sun shade, again, this is a toy and I am sure it was crushed or lost long ago.

SIZE: 14" LENGTH 6 1/4" WIDTH

CIRCA: 1920's through 40's

PROVENANCE: Purchased from the Wheelwright Museum in Santa Fe about 25 years ago.

Thank you for your interest! We pack our baskets carefully!