Fish decoys are one of the oldest forms of folk art in North America — carved by the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa to swim beneath winter ice and lure their catch to the surface. This 28‑page pamphlet traces the craft from ancient necessity to the carvers keeping it alive today.
Long before clocks or property lines reached the Northwoods, the Waaswaaganing Ojibwe speared fish through the ice by torchlight — using hand‑carved wooden decoys to move like bait and lure their catch to the surface. It was a tool born of necessity, in the hardest season of the year.
Over generations, that necessity became an art form. Folk Art of the Ojibwe follows the craft from its ancient roots through three overlapping eras of carving, into the hands of the individual carvers — and their families — who have kept the tradition alive.
Printed as a 28‑page pamphlet, full color throughout, with archival photography of decoys from private and museum collections.
The pamphlet profiles the individual carvers behind the tradition — often taught by a father, a neighbor, or a friend on the ice. A few of the decoys featured inside:
Every order is confirmed by email. Tell us how many copies you need and we’ll follow up with shipping cost and payment details.
Prefer to write directly? Include your name, shipping address, and copy count — and your store or museum name, if ordering wholesale.
pbluln@gmail.com