Vintage Atikamekw Birch Bark Rogan Box Indigenous Lidded Container Manawan, Quebec

Traditional birch bark rogan (lidded container, traditionally used to store picked berries), attributed to the Atikamekw (Attikamek) people of Manawan, Quebec, and accompanied by an original handwritten French tag documenting the piece in December 1979.

The rogan is hand-constructed from folded birch bark, stitched with spruce root, reinforced with cedar splints, and fitted with a moose hide carrying strap. The exterior decoration is created through selective stripping of the birch bark surface, revealing lighter underlying layers to form a stylized floral motif on both the body and lid—rather than applied paint or dye.

The original tag identifies the materials used and notes an individual named Mr. Benoit of Ottawa, originally from Manawan, aged 30 at the time of documentation. While the tag does not explicitly state authorship, it provides contemporary provenance and confirms Indigenous origin and materials.

This form of rogan was traditionally used as a personal storage container, often for small tools or belongings. No claim of ceremonial or sacred use is made.

Details:

Cultural attribution: Atikamekw (Algonquian woodland tradition)

Community referenced: Manawan, Quebec

Estimated date: Mid-20th century, documented December 1979

Materials: Birch bark, spruce root, cedar splint, moose hide

Base dimensions: 4 1/4" × 7 1/2"

Height: 4 1/8" (excluding strap)

Strap: Original moose hide

Condition:  In very good vintage condition with no notable wear. Surface abrasion, natural bark variation, and darkening present. Stitching remains intact. Original documentation tag retained.

It is unclear whether the tag relates to maker or owner, however, the piece does date to the mid-century.  The original price of $200 in 1979 is indicated on the tag.

This is a wonderful display piece in the proper setting, or a nice addition to a collection of Indigenous / Canadian First Nations traditional work….