Article

Babiche

Updated by Michelle Filice

Published Online November 20, 2011

Last Edited October 5, 2017

Babiche is a type of string traditionally made by Indigenous peoples from rawhide and had multiple uses, such as to lace snowshoes, fishing nets, drumheads and the like. Though typically considered a French Canadian term, babiche is an Algonquian word, loosely translating to “cord” (in Mi’kmaq, ababich) or “thread” (in Ojibwa, assabâbish).
The long, narrow snowshoes (left) and bear paw snowshoes (right) of the Eastern Woodland hunters were used for different snow conditions. Babiche is commonly used as lacework for snowshoes.
Kinaryuak, braiding caribou sinew (babiche) inside an igloo (Northwest Territories, 1949-50).
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What is Babiche?

Made from rawhide (often elk or deer), babiche is a durable type of string or cord used to weave or lace various objects, such as canoe seats, harpoon lines, bowstrings, lacrosse rackets, tumplines and headbands. Bags of fine workmanship were also knit of babiche. Braided babiche was used in making halters and carrying straps. Babiche was therefore a versatile and durable tool used frequently by Indigenous peoples, especially in the era before colonization.

How was Babiche Made?

Indigenous women made babiche by first cleaning and removing the hairs and flesh of an animal hide through a soaking process. They then stretched the hide until it dried and cut it into long, narrow strips. These strips were the babiche. Depending on the type of animal hide, such as whether it was a land or aquatic animal, the thickness, colour and strength of the babiche varied. Sinew and tendon could also be used to make babiche.

Modern Uses of Babiche

Babiche is still used to weave and lace certain objects. However, modern, synthetic cords are more common in the construction of items such as snowshoes and nets. Babiche remains a skilled craft, one that is passed down to new generations in some communities.