Unidentified Cheyenne Artist Cradleboard c. 1880–1900 South Dakota or Wyoming, United States Hide, wood, glass beads, copper alloy, sinew, fiber “I am drawn to this cradleboard because it shows Indigenous ingenuity in working with materials from the natural world and those acquired through trade. It speaks to traditions, love, and caring for children.” —Dana Claxton The carefully crafted beadwork designs adorning this cradleboard reflect its maker’s cultural identity and illustrate the crucial role of Native women as carriers of culture. For countless generations, Indigenous women have lovingly crafted cradleboards for babies. Viewed as a house for the beginning of life, such made-to-be-ready belongings comfort babies by mimicking the snug embrace of their loved ones. Carefully swaddled within, babies can rest peacefully in a tipi or while in transit, hung either on the side of a horse or on their mother’s back. Gift of G. Ross French, Lutherville, Maryland, BMA 1994.305