Innu Tea Doll

This sweet little doll was recently given to me by a family friend. She found several at a yard sale, and shared one with me, along with its history. The doll holds an important part in the history of the Innu of Labrador, the last known hunter/nomadic people of North America. Black tea was a valuable commodity; and the members of the community were expected to help carry this precious cargo when they travelled to new hunting grounds. Hunters consumed the tea to keep their energy strong, and in addition, the respected elders were guaranteed a supply of tea. The handcrafted doll, made with a fabric body, caribou skin face, and dressed in traditional clothes of the Innu was stuffed with loose tea and provided an extra cache of tea in case the original supply dwindled. If the tea supply was low, it might be necessary to cut open a doll and share the tea. Later, the doll would be refilled and returned to the child. Although no longer made for their original purpose, the tradition of making tea dolls continues as the elder Innu women of Labrador, pass on the technique to the younger women; teaching them about this important part of their history.  

Thank you Roxanne for sharing this little treasure with me!