Stitching has been a part of Angela Andrew's life since she was old enough to hold a needle. Working with her mother she learned the basics of sewing, beginning on small moccasins. As her skills grew, she began sewing to meet the needs of her family.

Andrew was born at an Innu camp near Gull Island, Labrador. She grew up and went to school in Happy Valley, and eventually married and settled in the aboriginal community of Sheshatshui. The special love that she has for her people, and her respect for the Montagnais Innu culture has led her to specialize in the creation of traditional Labrador tea dolls.

“For people on the move, space to carry things is always at a premium. When the Innu people are traveling to hunt, everyone has to carry a share of the load… children included. The children carried their share by bringing along a doll that held a reserve of black tea.”

Dollmaking began for Andrew in 1971, when she learned about the techniques and traditions from Maggie Antoine, another traditional Innu craftsperson. That apprenticeship served her well: she still constructs her dolls from caribou skin that she smoke-tans herself in the old way. Nevertheless, Andrew's tea dolls have a unique quality that is easy to recognize, and that has made them irresistible to collectors and has earned her the recognition of being known as the master tea doll maker. You can add one to your collection by visiting the Crafts Council Shop at Devon House, St. John's and other selected craft shops in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Image shown: Female and male teadoll approximately 30 cm (12") tall.