Cradleboard

This is a primitive cradleboard that I have. A typical Plains Indian baby will be strapped into this carrier during travel or work periods from infancy on to over a year in age. The tumpline of this carrier goes around the mother's shoulders or forehead. This cradleboard is lined with bearskin for comfort upon which plant fronds would be placed as a disposable "diaper". The picket-fence style framework protects the baby's back and head should he fall from any height. The hide and wooden canopy protects from the sun and precipitation. It also protects the baby's face/head should it fall. While on horseback, all this protection is necessary. Thus, the first baby car-seat was born.