Cradleboards

At Gray Wolf Trading Post, we offer a selection of handmade Native American cradleboards crafted by talented artists from various tribes. These unique pieces of art and craftsmanship are accented with natural materials, making each one a special creation.

A Native American cradleboard, often made just before a child’s birth, holds deep cultural significance. The construction is carefully undertaken by the father, who believes that any mistake could affect the child’s well-being. Every component of the cradleboard carries meaning.

The two back supports symbolize Monster Slayer and Child Born of Water, the twin hero gods of the Navajo. Traditionally, the father binds these supports together by drilling holes and lacing them with buckskin. He then adds the footrest, attaching it similarly to the back supports. The footrest represents Mother Earth, serving as a constant reminder of our connection to her. Juniper is typically used for the back supports and footrest, while oak is chosen for the head protector. The head protector, symbolizing the rainbow, also provides practical protection.

The baby is secured to the cradleboard with laced thongs. Originally, buckskin thongs were used, as they were believed to impart the deer’s attributes of wisdom, agility, and speed to the child. The lacings represent power, lightning, and sun rays, and they are thought to generate warmth from the child. ^