Comanche Cradleboard

For over a century, this cradleboard has made it easier for mothers to take their children with them while working or traveling long distances.

Cradleboards are found in tribal communities throughout North America, but cradleboards with long pointed supports are unique to tribes from the Plains region. Comanche and Kiowa style cradleboards are characterized by a rounded hood and foot support and are laced rather than tied shut. Cradleboards are still used by some families today.

This cradleboard was made over 100 years ago by Toquode, a member of the Pahdopony family. Several generations of the family have since used it. The canvas hood and leather bib above the hood are decorated with glass trade beads, and metal upholstery tacks decorate the cedar supports. Mescal beans and trade beads hang from the hood to serve as stimulation for infants being carried in the cradleboard.