Spruce Roots

[Anataq]

Has anyone ever used spruce roots the way Native have used them historically? From what I understand the roots are dug during the summer when the ground is easy to dig in, the good roots are split and used to make baskets, mend boats, make fishing nets and on and on. The roots are strong and supple. Wondering if anyone has more details on this subject?

-Ryan
www.pawcreekhomestead.com

[smwon]

Good idea, and of course, I had to look it up online. ;D
heres the link: www.ankn.uaf.edu/UNITS/spruceroots.html

[Jenny]

Looks like a good link, although I haven't had a chance to read it, yet. I've never seen any natives using spruce roots in the ways you mentioned, Ryan, except occasionally for lacing in birch bark baskets.

When we were out clearing for our garden, house and other buildings, I dug some spruce roots as I ran across them. I'd sort of find an area, then work with it for awhile. Didn't really have time then for gathering much in the way of basket materials. But it was a nice break of sorts. They are very strong. If you're careful while collecting, they can be VERY long. Just wonderful to work with since most of what grows around our place is short ------ willow, highbush cranberry, and cottonwood shoots. I'd eventually like to cultivate some willow for baskets, but for now I just use what grows naturally.

I also make quite a few baskets from the outer birch bark and inner spruce bark. I've never found anyone who does that (spruce bark baskets). From my experience with peeling spruce logs and working with the trees, it just seemed like the inner bark of spruce would work. I began experimenting and found it to be a delightful material. But, it is difficult to obtain. Once you get the hang of it, though, it becomes a rather mindless, therapeutic task.

I really enjoy peeling logs with a draw knife, then stripping the inner bark. Problem is that I'm usually out enjoying myself peeling the bark right next to Chuck while he's doing some building project requiring lots of very hard work ---- but work that's a one-man job. That way, I can "call" the logs I want to use from his log pile. He "lets" me peel them before he starts cutting them up for a building or something. ;D (he uses his Log Wizzard while I just use the draw knife. I just can't stand things with motors)

Anyway, I do want to dig more spruce roots. They really are an excellent material. Also, you could use the inner bark of spruce for lacing in baskets. You'd have to cut it fairly narrow. I wouldn't think they would hold up on a basket used to carry heavy loads or one that was in use quite a bit. I think leather would probably be better for that.

Making baskets from materials I gather on our homestead is one of my favorite crafts. I really love it.

Jenny
Alaska HOMESTEADING Journal

[smwon]

Interesting Jenny. When I was looking into this idea and while reading your post, I got to thinking about sage brush and currant bushes. When I have cleared these from my remote property here in Oregon, they had very long, long strong roots. I remember thinking there must be something I could use them for... yea, now I know! Soon I may just give them a try...

[Chuck]

This is Jenny (Chuck's logged in now so didn't log him out) A light bulb just came on. There's a wonderful basket book you would probably enjoy.

Baskets From Nature's Bounty by Elizabeth Jensen.
Published by Interweave Press. ISBN 0-934026-69-6.

I've learned sooooo much from this book, and it has given me many ideas for making my own style baskets. Beautiful pictures of finished baskets, and great sketches and pictures for teaching techniques. This is definitely one of those books about which I've said many times, "I'm so glad I bought this book. It's been well worth it!" ;D Sometimes one of us will buy a book after thumbing through it in a store, or reading about it online, then find that it's pretty much worthless

Jenny
Alaska HOMESTEADING Journal

[Anataq]

Here is a link to check out. Good information on Spruce Roots. If you do a google search on Spruce Roots you will find many sites with information.

www.ankn.uaf.edu/UNITS/spruceroots.html


-Ryan