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Caribou babiche filled snowshoes with moose rawhide
footing leaning on birch tree with raven tracks. |
Alaskan Native Babiche
Snowshoes Return in 2011.
These gorgeous traditional Babiche snowshoes created from a birch frame and filled with hand-cut caribou babiche and moose rawhide footing are the results of George Albert's hard work and intricate weaving skill. He originally taught himself how to build snowshoes over three decades ago using only his finely cut babiche to fill them.
What he usually makes are birch snowshoes with a moose footing area and fill them with braided nylon twine. These Standard snowshoes are incredibly tough and perfect for everyday use. They last for years of use. They are considered as art by many who acquire them. As it is, the making of any kind of Native made snowshoes in Alaska is almost gone. Sadly. George continues to sell these usable snowshoes to folks who appreciate them greatly.They are used for recreational pursuits, village races, snowmobile and dog team back-up,art collection, potlatch and gift giving, backwoods travel in Alaska's interior. What log home or winter retreat in snow country is complete without snowshoes on the wall?
However, the snowshoes in this photo are heirloom quality Caribou Babiche for the discerning connoisseur of Native American art. They are filled only with sustainable natural materials. He just finished them. We doubt you will find any Alaskan Native made traditional snowshoes being built in the year 2011. Or in the near future. George works completely alone and does not have an apprentice. We are aware of the minute number of aging makers.
So many times, other Native craftsmen, Native American art collectors and curators use the term "dying art" when referring to Alaska Native snowshoes. We almost felt bad sticking them into the snow to take this photo but as you can see there was a raven wings' snow imprint that we felt gave a good blessing to us. Please view the close-up shots (click on photo) to see the intricate caribou babiche filling.
George takes pride in knowing his Standard (birch, moose rawhide footing and nylon twine filling) snowshoes are well loved and used throughout Alaska.
Yet, these pictured all Babiche snowshoes belong cherished in a collection, in a case, on a wall. Any discerning Native Art collector knows that. George would understand if this is the only time nature's snow touched his traditional babiche snowshoes since the time he felled the birch tree! He understands their cultural value and as a iconic Alaskan craft.The price reflects their rarity. He knows also that at almost 60 years old, he has two tweens to raise too!
This Babiche pair is his first after suffering a detached retina and eye operation in 2006. Before that he would receive a rare custom order. He continues to make his standard snowshoes from moose rawhide and twine. The tracks of Athabascan snowshoes will remain on the Alaskan landscape if interest in their revival is renewed and the sustainable natural resources of birch, moose, snow, and the use of caribou babiche are maintained. Men and women continue to need the quiet reflection in the woods, low-carbon footprint impact and aerobic recreation which snowshoes provide. Not to forget-the pair on your sno-go when the fuel tank runs low.
Our Alaskan snowshoe tradition keeps us grounded. Athabascan folklore tells that the Milky Way was created as Raven snowshoed over the sky, well, this pair of Ruby Ravens will no doubt fly away soon.
907-468-4409 Albertsnowshoes@yahoo.com.
Labels: Alaskan Native Art, Athabascan, Caribou babiche, snowshoes
George began these traditional fine caribou babiche filled snowshoes after the new year, January 2011. It was a wonderful gift to the rest of the family, especially his 'almost' teenagers and their elementary aged nephews. 
