The Double Curve Motif
By Vera Longtoe
Traditional designs used to create Wabanaki clothing were not
strictly ornamental. Quite to the contrary, the wearer carefully
chose the designs and materials to be used. Each item had a
symbolic and powerful meaning, which would help aid and
protect the owner. Prominent among these patterns of power
was the double curve.
Rand’s Micmac-English Dictionary defines the double curve as,
“Aboodalooak – a curved ornamental figure like two crescents
placed back to back. A very common form of ornamentation in
carving, dyeing and beadwork.” Rand futher translates
Aboodalooak as, “It is carved with curious curves or flowers
called Aboodalooakgal… Hence there seems to be a common
connection between the double curve and a vegetation motif.”
According to Frank Speck, curves represented plants
associated with, “protective and curative properties of medicinal
herbs,” which was very important to Indians. The exact
symbolic meaning of certain double curve designs no longer
known. However, they have several general meanings. The
mirror image of the double curve, reminds us to keep balance
in our lives. Clusters of curves together or side by side can
symbolize community, alliance and the special unions of
marriage and family. When coil flourishes are added, it is a
reminder of springtime, when plant shoots are just starting to
open..
Sometimes flourishes are added to enhance double curves.
Bailey describes “…the former consisting of the three lobed
figure, the blossom, bud, leaf and tendril…” There is also a
pedestal figure which seems to be a mark of identity.
Double curves spread by means of trade and affiliation to many
Algonquin and Iroquois tribes, who adopted and modified these
designs in their craft work However Double Curves are
believed to have started among the Algonquin group
collectively known as the Wabanaki Confederacy, which
includes the Abenaki, Mi’kmaq, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy
and Malecite.
By Vera Longtoe
Traditional designs used to create Wabanaki clothing were not
strictly ornamental. Quite to the contrary, the wearer carefully
chose the designs and materials to be used. Each item had a
symbolic and powerful meaning, which would help aid and
protect the owner. Prominent among these patterns of power
was the double curve.
Rand’s Micmac-English Dictionary defines the double curve as,
“Aboodalooak – a curved ornamental figure like two crescents
placed back to back. A very common form of ornamentation in
carving, dyeing and beadwork.” Rand futher translates
Aboodalooak as, “It is carved with curious curves or flowers
called Aboodalooakgal… Hence there seems to be a common
connection between the double curve and a vegetation motif.”
According to Frank Speck, curves represented plants
associated with, “protective and curative properties of medicinal
herbs,” which was very important to Indians. The exact
symbolic meaning of certain double curve designs no longer
known. However, they have several general meanings. The
mirror image of the double curve, reminds us to keep balance
in our lives. Clusters of curves together or side by side can
symbolize community, alliance and the special unions of
marriage and family. When coil flourishes are added, it is a
reminder of springtime, when plant shoots are just starting to
open..
Sometimes flourishes are added to enhance double curves.
Bailey describes “…the former consisting of the three lobed
figure, the blossom, bud, leaf and tendril…” There is also a
pedestal figure which seems to be a mark of identity.
Double curves spread by means of trade and affiliation to many
Algonquin and Iroquois tribes, who adopted and modified these
designs in their craft work However Double Curves are
believed to have started among the Algonquin group
collectively known as the Wabanaki Confederacy, which
includes the Abenaki, Mi’kmaq, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy
and Malecite.
| Beadwork - Double Curves beaded onto black wool More Pictures Coming Soon |
| © 2006 Elnu Abenaki Tribe |
ELNU Abenaki |
