quillwork

noun

quill·​work ˈkwil-ˌwərk How to pronounce quillwork (audio)
: ornamental work in porcupine or bird quills

Examples of quillwork in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Born and raised in Kasigluk, Oscar has successfully produced and led many projects with various mediums — including skin sewing, basket weaving, quillwork, beadwork, walrus ivory carving and exploring Yup’ik Native jewelry. Alex Demarban, Anchorage Daily News, 23 Oct. 2022 Their first pair of earrings, a beaded and quillwork set, was a gift from a friend. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 1 June 2022 Visitors can join in social dances then take a break to peruse baskets, jewelry, drums, quillwork and other goods created by Native American artisans. Patricia Harris and David Lyon, BostonGlobe.com, 2 June 2022 Every piece of beadwork, quillwork, or feather work that adorns them is embedded with special meaning. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 10 Nov. 2021 Joyce, Juanita, and Jesse Rae Growing Thunder are a family of three Indigenous artists who specialize in beadwork and quillwork. Christian Allair, Vogue, 19 Aug. 2021 Indigenous design isn’t relegated to historical artifacts; traditional techniques such as beadwork, quillwork, and hide tanning are still being innovated upon and incorporated into the work of Indigenous artists today. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2020 Also going on display will be a bag, known as quillwork, that was used by a Native American soldier. Fox News, 16 Aug. 2019 Demonstrations include flint knapping, 17th century medicines, open hearth cooking, quillwork, finger weaving, military drills and arms and armor. Courant Community, 15 May 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'quillwork.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quillwork was in 1843

Dictionary Entries Near quillwork

Cite this Entry

“Quillwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quillwork. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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