Skip to main content
Go back

Softening spruce roots

Black and white photo, preparing to soften spruce roots. The roots soak in a pot of water that sits on a rock.

Photo collection of the Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw
Funds Serge Jauvin, 1977-1978, Manawan

Spruce roots or jack pine roots are collected and used to sew the pieces of birch bark together. These long and sturdy roots are spilt in two length-wise, cleaned and then boiled to help soften them up.