Pauingassi collection / Obaawingaashiing Gichi-aabijitaawinan
This stunning 216-page large-format coffee-table book highlights the Pauingassi collection, 240 ceremonial objects created by the people of Pauingassi in the early 20th century. The American anthropologist Irving Hallowell photographed the families when he visited the community between 1932 and 1940. The result is a rare presentation of historic objects beside their makers, an invaluable record of its people and an essential historical and genealogical resource for the community. The writing consists primarily of translated interviews with Omishoosh Owen, the grandson of the famous Anishinaabe ogichidaa (leader), Naamiwan (1851–1944).
Prepared for the Manitoba Museum’s Nametwaawin Outreach Project and the communities of Pimachiowin Aki UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is typeset in English with corresponding Anishinaabemowin translation. This is the second book in a two-part series, the frist being, Photos from Little Grand Rapids. 2024
This dance cape for the Waabano ceremony, belonged to Miskwa’o Owen. It has metal tinklers and the wings of red-winged blackbirds. Miskwa’o means “one who dresses in red”.
Naamiwan’s Dream Drum at a ceremony near Poplar Hill, Ontario, 1930s.
Omishoosh called the ceremonial objects that are now in the Pauingassi Collection “the wonders of the ancient Anishinaabeg,” saying they were at the heart of Anishinaabe cultural practices.
This ceremonial panel is made of smoke-tanned caribou hide with silk embroidery and silk bias ribbon trim embroidered by Omishoosh’s Aunt Miskwa’o, pictured right.
“The children should know about the ancient practices. If the pictures of the collection were taken back to the community for them to be seen, it would not cause a problem. And, in this way, they could tell the uses of the ceremonial objects, so the children would know.” – Omishoosh
In the 1930s, when anthropologist Irving Hallowell took these photos, women used a cradleboard and moss bag to carry and comfort their babies. This cradleboard was made in 1969 by Mary Jane and John James Owen, pictured right.
Naamiwan’s Dream Drum, “The Gracious One,” being prepared for a ceremony at Poplar Hill, Ontario, 1933.
The two snowshoe needles in the photograph below belonged to James, pictured above, and Lillian Owen.
