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Moss Bag Making
In the month of February, 2024, JPFRC Team collaborated with The Red Road Healing Society and organized “Moss Bag making” sessions for the “Baby and You” program participants.
Moss bags hold a special place in Indigenous culture across Turtle Island. These bags are not only beautiful displays of traditional beadwork and embroidery but also serve a practical purpose: they keep our most precious blessings safe. Let’s explore more about moss bags and how they are made:
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What is a Moss Bag?
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For centuries, Indigenous peoples have used moss bags to keep babies snugly wrapped. These bags create a warm, womb-like environment that makes the baby feel safe and sleep better.
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The top of the bag securely holds the baby’s head.
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Traditionally, moss bags were filled with freshly-gathered sphagnum moss, known for its medicinal properties. It acted as an ideal diaper material—antiseptic and absorbent, keeping the baby dry and rash-free.
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You can see a moss bag in the new permanent installation at the Creative Kids Museum.
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The Moss Bag Project: Indigenous-Led Support
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The Moss Bag Project is an Indigenous-led organization.
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They create sustainable and reciprocal support structures through academic resources and traditional education. The project offers moss bag making sessions and Indigenous-centered child-rearing education. The team also crafts beautiful, beaded moss bags, often connected to traditional stories and teachings. All donations and proceeds from moss bag sales go toward an annual scholarship fund and child-rearing resources for Indigenous mothers and Two-Spirit parents.
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Where Can You Learn More?
If you’re interested in making your own moss bag, consider taking a moss bag making class. You’ll learn:
- How to select materials for your bag
- Using the bag pattern
- Cutting and working with materials
- Beading stitches
- Binding your bag
Whether you’re preserving tradition, creating art, or supporting Indigenous communities, moss bags hold a deep cultural significance and continue to be cherished by many.