What is porcupine hair used for ? My whole Midwestern trapping life I always wondered why people buy it and how to you get it ? No porcupine in IL , ND , Iowa that I am aware of. Do you skin porcupine or what for their quills ?
Thanks. MD

Wissmiss is the guru on that but if memory serves I recall hearing that its used in native crafts.

Most porcupine hair is used for a Native American headdress called a “roach”. Worn by males in ceremonial Danes. Check out this link.

Quills are used for craft work, like beading. Also used for earrings and other small items.

I’ll try to post some pictures or links.

Forgot the link???

Tying flies for fishing

I’m having a senior moment and can’t make links work. Sorry. I’ll keep trying.

In the mean time Google Native American roach. Maybe that will work.

https://www.pinterest.com/yellowbearmedic/roach/


This link should work. I hope.

Stuff like this I have

Thanks Bruce. That is a birch bark box decorated with porcupine quills.

Nice box. Do they run like mono line through the quills to attach them? I have a bunch of Quills that I clipped each end off because I just figured that's how they are used.
Gary J

Moose hair tufting is really nice.

Now that would be cool

Didn't the American Indians use the quills for garments and jewelry?

ND has a healthy population of porcupines. Both the hair and quills are plucked. Some buyers will buy them on the round or skinned.

Alot of porkys here in Maine also

Theres even porky in Nebraska..

Porky hair makes good shaving cream brushes too.

Do porcupines use conditioner when they wash their hair?
Askin for a friend….

Are you sure? I’ve never seen that use. Documentation, please.

Lots of shaving brushes were made with badger “hair”.,

Considering how bad they smell, I am guessing they dont even bother to wash their hair let alone condition it!