GHELCH’EHI

Birch bark, root, grass; L 34 cm
Stony River, c. 1940

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Birch bark container

Birch bark was a versatile material the Dena’ina used for a variety of purposes. The Dena’ina highly valued birch bark since it is flexible, waterproof and does not rot easily. Some of its uses included roofing material, a variety of containers and coverings for canoes. Also, birch bark is one of the best fire starters found in nature, as it will burn easily even if it is completely wet.

Collection: Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, 1.2E1179

Image: © Chris Arend/Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture