Handkerchief Box
• signed by Tomah Joseph, Passamaquoddy
• made ca. 1900
• 15 cm long x 13 cm wide x 3 cm high
Tomah Joseph was a Passamaquoddy man who made art with birchbark. He lived his life in Passamaquoddy territory in Maine’s most eastern region of Washington County. He was born in 1837 and lived all 77 years of his life at the traditional community of Peter Dana Point.
As an adult, Tomah Joseph made a living by making and selling a new style of etched birchbark art. He also served as tribal governor for a bit, hired out as a canoe and hunting guide, and acted as informant for folklorist Charles Leland, who recorded Passamaquoddy origin stories.
Tomah Joseph’s etched birchbark pieces present a visual image of his world, both real and spiritual. This little box depicts a traditional camp scene on its top. Animals important to the Wabanaki world encircle the side – a basking seal, wading heron, swimming turtle, chewing beaver, and trickster rabbit.
Tomah Joseph signed his work and that personal touch distinguishes him as an individual artist. Sometimes, he also dated his pieces, but this piece is not one of those.
The top of this box depicts a traditional camp scene, and features animals important to the Wabanaki along the sides.