Birch-bark handicrafts are unique to nomad nationalities in northern China. The handicrafts, with strong ethnic and regional flavors, are widely popular in the Heilongjiang River Basin as well as in areas like Oroqen Autonomous Banner, Evenk Autonomous Banner, Morin Dawa Daur Autonomous Banner and Ergun Left Banner (in Genhe City) of Inner Mongolia.
Ancient nomad nationalities in the north like the Donghu, Xiongnu, Xianbei, Qidan, Nuchen etc all went through the Pottery Age, but it wasn't the case for nationalities like the Oroqen, Evenki, Daur, Mongolian etc. For these nationalities, birch-bark vessels played the same role in life and work as that of pottery and porcelain ware in other ethnic groups, reflecting the cultural characteristics of hunting nationalities in forests.
The excellent waterproof and causticity-resistant features of birch bark make it an ideal material for making utensils that are light, sturdy and easy to carry. Production tools and daily-use items made of birch bark are much favored by hunting nationalities. These products come in various shapes and sizes, mainly including boats, baskets, cases, boxes and bowls etc. All of them are made of birch bark, sewn with animal tendons or horsetail, and pressed or carved with various patterns and motifs. They are not just important tools, but elaborate works of art, as well.
Traditional birch bark processing goes through four procedures: 1) stripping the bark off the tree; 2) soften the bark by macerating or boiling; 3) cutting and sewing; 4) adorning. There are different ways of adorning, including pressing and pasting etc. All nationalities tend to adorn birch-bark handicrafts with patterns symbolizing auspiciousness, happiness, safety and a bumper harvest.
