African Porcupine Quills 10-11" | 5 pieces

Porcupines have around 30,000 quills on their backs and while it's a myth that the quills can be shot out, they can be rammed into the face of a would-be predator. African porcupine quills are used in American Indian crafts, including quill work, which is perhaps the oldest form of embroidery used by Native Americans. Quills were folded, twisted, wrapped, plaited and sewn using a wide range of techniques to decorate articles of clothing, bags, knife sheaths, baskets, wooden handles and pipe stems. Quillwork has been, and continues to be used to decorate the basketry of various Native American tribes. These are approximately 9-11" in These are real specimens, so quills will vary in pattern and thickness.