Dream CatchersDream Catchers

History and History and InstructionsInstructions

HistoryHistory

• Dream catchers originated with Dream catchers originated with the Ojibwe (or Chippewa) tribe.the Ojibwe (or Chippewa) tribe.

• They are believed to be filters for They are believed to be filters for dreams. They block the bad dreams. They block the bad dreams and let the good dreams dreams and let the good dreams through.through.

• Historically feathers are placed Historically feathers are placed in the dream catcher.in the dream catcher.– Owl (wisdom) feather for girlsOwl (wisdom) feather for girls– Eagle (courage) feather for boysEagle (courage) feather for boys

Construction HistoryConstruction History

• Asibikaashi (Spider Woman) helps Asibikaashi (Spider Woman) helps bring qiizis (sun) back to the people. bring qiizis (sun) back to the people. She builds her lodge (web) before She builds her lodge (web) before dawn to catch the light.dawn to catch the light.

• The bad dreams are destroyed with The bad dreams are destroyed with the first light as the dew evaporates.the first light as the dew evaporates.

• The small hole in the center allows The small hole in the center allows the good dreams to come through.the good dreams to come through.

• The circle shape of the hoop The circle shape of the hoop represents how giizis travels represents how giizis travels across the sky each dayacross the sky each day

• In honor of asibikaashi the web In honor of asibikaashi the web has 8 points for Spider Woman’s 8 has 8 points for Spider Woman’s 8 legs.legs.

• The feather represents breath or The feather represents breath or air that is essential for life (it air that is essential for life (it entertains the baby while teaching entertains the baby while teaching the importance of good air).the importance of good air).

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MaterialsMaterials

• 1 hoop1 hoop• 2 yards of leather lacing2 yards of leather lacing• 6 yards of sinew6 yards of sinew• 1 bead1 bead• 1 feather1 feather• GlueGlue• clothespinclothespin

InstructionsInstructions

1.1. Glue leather lacing to Glue leather lacing to hoop and hold with hoop and hold with clothespin. Wrap the clothespin. Wrap the lacing around the ring lacing around the ring until you reach the until you reach the starting point again. starting point again. (Do Not twist the (Do Not twist the lacing) Glue the lacing lacing) Glue the lacing and secure with and secure with clothespin until it is dry.clothespin until it is dry.

2.2. Create a loop and tie one end of the Create a loop and tie one end of the sinew to the ring. Place sinew over sinew to the ring. Place sinew over the top of the hoop. Move the sinew the top of the hoop. Move the sinew around to the back (forming a hole) around to the back (forming a hole) and pull the sinew back through the and pull the sinew back through the hole you just made.hole you just made.

3.3. Repeat until you have 8 spokes. Pull Repeat until you have 8 spokes. Pull each stitch taught. The last stitch each stitch taught. The last stitch should be about ½ inch away from should be about ½ inch away from the hanging loop.the hanging loop.

4.4. On the second and On the second and subsequent stitching subsequent stitching rounds, place the string rounds, place the string around the center of around the center of each stitch from the each stitch from the previous round.previous round.

5.5. As you pull each stitch As you pull each stitch tight, the sinew from tight, the sinew from the previous round the previous round should bend towards should bend towards the center of the hoop the center of the hoop slightly.slightly.

6.6. On the third or fourth On the third or fourth round add a bead to round add a bead to represent the spider represent the spider in the web.in the web.

7.7. Continue stitching.Continue stitching.

6.6. Stop when you have a Stop when you have a small hole left in the small hole left in the center. Stitch in the center. Stitch in the same place twice to same place twice to form and knot.form and knot.

7.7. Dangle a feather from a Dangle a feather from a piece of sinew and tie it piece of sinew and tie it too the center of your too the center of your web.web.