Sourcing & indigenous peoples statement

Traditional Native American quillwork—the specific techniques of flattening, sorting, dyeing, and sewing geometric or tribal patterns onto birchbark, leather, or textiles—is a distinctly Indigenous art form, and is typically considered a closed practice.

Porcupine quills as a biological material are not "closed." Porcupines exist globally, and various cultures throughout history have used them for functional tools, texturing, or protective items. Anyone can legally and ethically harvest naturally shed quills, find them on roadkill, or purchase them from reputable sources.

Needle Playground sources quills only from found carcasses or via a humane live harvesting process. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about the source of Needle Playground quills.

Needle Playground does not practice or condone cultural appropriation in any form. Needle Playground quills are processed and intended for use as tools for kinky and sensual purposes.