In old times this netting was made of nettle fiber. Examples of these are the 'spiderwebs' hung on the hoop of a cradle board. The purpose of these charms is apotropaic and not explicitly connected with dreams:Įven infants were provided with protective charms. So the mothers and grandmothers weave webs for the children, using willow hoops and sinew, or cordage made from plants. As the Ojibwe Nation spread to the corners of North America it became difficult for Asibikaashi to reach all the children. 'Spider web' charm, hung on infant's cradle (shown alongside a 'Mask used in game' and 'Ghost leg, to frighten children'), Bureau of American Ethnology Bulletin (1929)Įthnographer Frances Densmore in 1929 recorded an Ojibwe legend according to which the 'spiderwebs' protective charms originate with Spider Woman, known as Asibikaashi who takes care of the children and the people on the land.
