quillwork

American  

[kwil-wurk] / ˈkwɪlˌwɜrk /

noun

1. a type of decoration using softened and usually dyed porcupine or bird quills.

2. an American Indian handicraft or utility item decorated in this manner.

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Example Sentences

They’re known for putting a contemporary spin on traditional beadwork, quillwork and dolls.

From New York Times • Aug. 21, 2015

While her fingers swiftly flew at her quillwork, she told the story of how the earth began.

From "The Birchbark House" by Louise Erdrich

This must have been a beautiful example of the buffalo-skin tipi, new and white, decorated with quillwork and tufts of hair.

From Villages of the Algonquian, Siouan, and Caddoan Tribes West of the Mississippi by Bushnell, David Ives

He had nothing with him but the clothing he wore, fringed buckskin leggings and a buckskin vest decorated with blue and green quillwork in diamond patterns.

From Shaman by Shea, Robert

A hoop was made about two feet in diameter, nearly covered with dressed leather, and trimmed with quillwork, feathers, bits of metal, and other trinkets, on which were certain particular marks.

From Pioneers in Canada by Wallcousins, E.