Mississaugan birch-bark box, rectangular in shape and embroidered with dyed porcupine qills in floral patterns; containing a length of braided sweetgrass secured with dyed porcupine quills.

The central motif on the lid is within a rectangular border. It is tightly worked using many miniscule quills, possibly taken from a juvenile porcupine. Knotted quills have been used to create a textured, relief effect on the red flower petals and on areas of green foliage. 'Split' quills (where one quill is threaded through the divided centre of another) are used on the green stems and on the border of alternating rose- and cream-coloured pussywillow which extends around the upper sides of the box.

The careful construction of the bark box and the use of rows of parallel quills to edge it create a formal effect. The style and technique are reminiscent of earlier Wendat work from the Montreal area, or Metis embroidery. 

Sweetgrass is one of the four sacred medicines used by the Michi Saagiig alongside sage, tobacco and cedar. It grows naturally across traditional First Nations territories. The quill ties securing this braid may be intended to evoke the four sacred colours – yellow, red, white and black – though the latter appears a pale blue. Sweetgrass is also burnt in sacred fires, sweat lodges and smudging ceremonies, where it acts as a spiritual purifier.

While the tag with this box reads "Betsey Simson," the maker was probably Betsy Simon, who is listed on the 1861 census as a widow with two sons, and living with her son Peter in a log home. She was 45 in 1860.

Supplementary information provided by Dr Laura Peers, Dr Lori Beavis and Hiawatha community members.