Interview: Dr. Margaret Johnson – Basketmaking – Mi’kmaw Terminology

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The Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia Archives Collection - Curated by Dr. Trudy Sable
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Margaret Johnson Session – Basketmaking Techniques and Terminology
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Translated and Transliterated into the Smith/Francis orthography by Kenny Prosper

Elqnatekapi’l –  bottom of the basket splints

Lisknuaqann – basket splints that you weave around

Astua’tu’n – where the basket splints overlap or overlay

Lokwistaqn – basket hoop

Laqpa’taqan – binder you use to bind the basket hoop

Apjun – handle

Elaqpa’tu’n – you are binding it

Lipkete’knapi – a basket splint

Jikijij – fancy periwinkle on the basket (there are 4 kinds you can put on the basket)

Kmu’ji’japi – white maple

Aqimoq – White Ash

Wisqoq – Black Ash

Tel pase’k kutey samqwaluk – it is the thickness of a butter knife

Waqa’qnikn – crooked knife

Lapeso’qn – gauge or tool to cut splints into different widths

Wejipkete’t – test the strip of the bark, testing grain to see if the wood is suitable for splints

Kaqjet – some wood in between has a burnt brown stuff and you can’t shave or split it because it will break (grows within the grain)

Mikutaqn or mikutawemkewey – draw knife

Mikutawemk – the act of cutting the shavings off to prepare the wood or plank to make sure it is even on both sides

Pepkikuat – grain is so close (thin) that you can’t shave, it’s brittle

Kakikk – brittle; breaks easily

Listen to the related interview Translated and Transliterated into the Smith/Francis orthography by Kenny Prosper Elqnatekapi’l –  bottom of the basket splints Lisknuaqann – basket splints that you weave around Astua’tu’n – where the basket splints overlap or overlay Lokwistaqn – basket hoop Laqpa’taqan – binder you use to bind the basket hoop Apjun – handle Elaqpa’tu’n – you are binding it Lipkete’knapi – a basket splint Jikijij – fancy periwinkle on the basket (there are 4 kinds you can put on the basket) Kmu’ji’japi – white maple Aqimoq – White Ash Wisqoq – Black Ash Tel pase’k kutey samqwaluk – it is the thickness of a butter knife Waqa’qnikn – crooked knife Lapeso’qn – gauge or tool to cut splints into different widths Wejipkete’t – test the strip of the bark, testing grain to see if the wood is suitable for splints Kaqjet – some wood in between has […]