David Louis
Dakota quillwork
David Louis of Peever grew up in a very traditional family on the
Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota reservation and absorbed the stories of his
parents about the importance o the old ways. He took up the mission of
learning quillwork on his own about 30 years ago when he realized it was
in danger of dying out. By studying museum collections and talking with
elders, David gained a foundation for teaching himself the techniques of
quillwork. Liz Anderson of Sisseton spent many years away from her
home reservation, but she always kept up her skills in beadwork. Once she
returned, her interest in learning and promoting the crafts and other
traditions of the Dakota people blossomed. She learned the three basic
techniques of working with quills from David—wrapping, plaiting and
sewing—as well as how to clean and prepare them. She says she would love
to be a full-time craftsperson, if she could find time away from managing
the Dakota Nation Art and Gift Store, which she founded to provide an
outlet for the many talented craftspeople on the reservation.
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