Native Americans began the tradition of craftsmanship in Maryland, creating various works for their functionality as well as their physical beauty. As European immigrants began to establish colonies in the state, they adapted to the region with new craft styles supplemented with their own practices. Now, vacationers can explore the craft works of Maryland's native and early people, as well as purchase and view works by the state's modern craftspeople at events such as craft fairs and festivals.
Native American Crafts
Several groups of Native Americans lived in Maryland and the surrounding mid-Atlantic region before the arrival of European colonists. These tribes included the Conoy, Nanticoke, Powhatan, and Susquehannock people. The lifestyles of these Native Americans included the creation of functional crafts for everyday use. Native craft items included clothing, pottery, and wood items, as well as pieces used for decoration like jewelry.
The Conoys were closely related to the Nanticokes, while their language was most similar to that of the Powhatan people. Early documentation of their physical appearance include accounts of their native style of dress. The Conoys wore their hair long, tied up with some sort of band, and often adorned with a crafted hair ornament. Some even wore a copper figure of a fish on their forehead. They also wore necklaces made of glass beads, and clothing made of deerskin.
Nanticokes lived mostly on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Here they crafted weapons and tools like spears, nets, snares, and baskets used for hunting and gathering food. The Nanticoke also took advantage of the bounties of the sea and ample wild game, not only for food, but for craft making as well. All parts of the animals were used. For instance, shells were used for spoons, bowls, wampums, and decorative items. Porcupine quills, furs, skins, sinew, and bones were utilized for tools and clothing items.
The Powhatans of Maryland are most known for their basketry and beadwork, particularly wampum made of white and purple shell beads. Clothing for the Powhatan Native Americans consisted of beaded headbands adorned with a couple of feathers, breechcloth pants for men, and knee-length skirts for women. Both men and women of the tribe wore earrings.
To celebrate the crafts of Maryland's early Native Americans, various cities in the state host Indian craft shows and festivals. The Eastern Woodland Indian Village Days in both Calvert and Saint Mary's County both allow visitors to experience how Maryland's first people lived over 500 years ago. The Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians Annual Native American Festival in Vienna features authentic native crafts like metal work, quill work, and pottery, along with traditional music, dance, and other entertainment offerings. Other Native American events in Maryland include the Four Bay Winds in Hartford County and the Accohannock Annual Healing of All Nations Pauwau.
Colonial Crafts
With the arrival of the settlers, European crafts became infused with Maryland's native craft traditions such as sewing. Clothes making was a necessity in the colonies, and the settlers' clothing was made by the women. Made mostly from wool, the settlers' clothing pieces consisted of breeches, waist coats, wool stockings, and shirts with ruffled collars for men; and long dresses, corsets, and petticoats for women. Men also wore tri-corner hats. Handcrafted wigs were an important part of colonial clothing, and were worn by both men and women. Women used craft tools like iron scissors, thimbles, and turned bone needle cases for sewing clothing.
Crafts Festivals and Fairs
Maryland boasts a number of crafts festivals and events where you can browse both antique and modern craft items from the state. Every year, hundreds of craftspeople and artisans set up shop at the Catonsville Arts and Crafts Festival. The event features numerous vendors displaying a variety of crafts and handmade works, along with food, fun, and entertainment for kids and adults alike. Other festivals where you'll find great Maryland crafts include the Old Bowie Antiques and Craft Fall Fling Street Festival and Chestertown Tea Party Festival.
If there isn't a craft festival or show happening while you'll be visiting Maryland, don't worry. There are other options when it comes to finding crafts in the Old Line State. Presented by the ARTFX Gallery, the Annapolis Gallery of Fine Crafts and Arts boasts the largest collection of fine arts and crafts from local, regional, national, and international craftspeople. The gallery states that "the only thing mass-produced at ARTFX is originality," and features handcrafted items like pottery, jewelry, glass, candles, and more.
Crafts were an essential part of everyday living for both Native Americans and early European settlers of the state. Now, Maryland's crafts have become a cultural tradition that can be enjoyed for its aesthetic, leisure, and utilitarian value. They also make great mementos to remind you of your wonderful Maryland vacation.
