How did the Native Americans use porcupines?

Answer 1

Porcupines are edible rodents, although there is little evidence for them forming a regular part of the diet of the more northerly eastern woodlands tribes (porcupines were not found south of Ohio, for example). The Iroquois tribes appear not to have used the quills either, so they seem to have made no use at all of these animals.

The quills and guard hairs were highly valued by the many Algonquian tribes for use in decorating clothing and bark containers and for roach hair ornaments. Quillwork was a very lengthy and complex process that involved carefully plucking the quills from the dead animal, selecting quills about 2.5 inches long (or shorter ones for very delicate designs), dyeing the quills with subtle, natural plant dyes in hot water and then drying them. Then they were washed thoroughly in a soapy bath to make them soft and pliable - then they were flattened between the teeth or fingernails.

Only then could the dyed quills be used in wrapping, braiding, sewing or weaving on the surface to be decorated - moccasins, weapons, dresses, shirts, leggings and so on.

Answer 2

The Native Americans use porcupines quills as needles and they use the quills to embroid, for clothes, bags etc.

Answer 3

They made moccasins and clothing with them