Preview
Creation Date
1905
Description
The Ute people are the oldest residents of Colorado, their language is Shoshonean, a dialect of the Uto-Aztecan language. The Mouache and Caputa bands comprise the Southern Ute Tribe and are located in Ignacio, Colorado. The Weenuchiu, now known as the Ute Mountain Utes, are located in Towaoc, Colorado.
Ute people used cradleboards throughout history, and many still do today. Ute cradleboards are distinctive for their basketry, tanned hides, and beadwork. The buckskin on a boy’s cradleboard is typically white, while a girl’s is yellow. These cradleboards allow for easy transport of the Ute children, while also allowing them to see the world around them.
Notably, the cradleboard illustrated here has a sunshade. Typically made from twined willow, these sunshades set Ute cradleboards apart from those made by other tribes.
Keywords
Indigenous Peoples, Family, Infant, Cradleboard, Ute, Colorado, Horseback
