Quillwork is a form of textile embellishment traditionally first practiced in America by Native Americans that employed the quills of porcupines to create their utilitarian objects. The porcupine quillwork is an art form unique to North America.
Quillwork preceded glass beads in the Native American culture and was a major decorative element used by the peoples who resided in the porcupine’s natural habitat. The four most common techniques for quillwork are applique, embroidery, wrapping and loom weaving,
Quills suitable for embellishment are two to three inches long and may be dyed before use. In their natural state, quills are pale yellow to white with black tips. The tips are usually snipped off before use. Quills can be flattened using one’s teeth or pressed with flat object such as wood or stone. An awl was used to punch holes in hides, and sinew was used to bind the quills to hides.
Today the quiller creates colorful quill objects that have become a recognized and high sort after American artform.
Quilled Hunting Pouch by Lally House, Woodbury, Kentucky