Dreamcatcher

A dreamcatcher is a handmade object associated with some Indigenous cultures of North America, especially the Ojibwe, and traditionally consists of a willow hoop with a woven web.

A dreamcatcher is a handmade willow hoop with a woven web, traditionally used by Ojibwe and other Indigenous peoples of North America as a protective object hung over a bed or cradle.

What it is

A dreamcatcher consists of a circular hoop, typically made from willow, with a web or net woven inside. Feathers, beads, and other decorations may be added. The design is commonly traced to Ojibwe culture and later spread to other Indigenous communities, including the Lakota.

Traditional meaning

In many accounts, the dreamcatcher filters dreams: bad dreams are trapped in the web and destroyed by daylight, while good dreams pass through to the sleeper. It was traditionally hung above cradles or beds, especially for infants and children, as a form of protection.

Modern use and cultural significance

Dreamcatchers became widely known beyond their original communities during the 20th century and are now common in popular culture. Indigenous writers and organizations have noted that their commercialization can be disrespectful when separated from their cultural meaning. In Canada, they are significant to Ojibwe and other First Nations, but also commonly sold in markets, raising concerns about cultural appropriation.