 Cradle
Board
Many Navajos still use
a traditional cradle board to keep their babies safe and protected. Made
with cottonwood, pine or cedar laced together with thin strips of leather,
the Cradle Board feature a wide, wooden hoop over the baby's head that
protects the child. Navajos believe the flat boards will give the baby
a strong, straight back, and that a soft supporting pad will help the
infant form a nice rounded head. The Cradle Board is blessed with corn
pollen, prayers, songs and good thoughts for the baby.
White Earth Ojibwe infant in a cradle
board
[Densmore 1979]
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Native
people tribe
