As the Plains Indians were forcibly settled onto Reservations, there was a demand by Anglo culture that the Native indiginous culture be retained. In addition, the process of making these objects allowed the Indians to preserve their culture for their children and posterity. These objects often became the source of pride for the maker.

At the same time, there was a practical need of the Indians to address the logistics of getting objects to market in order to give them some income. Smaller size versions of cradleboards along with smaller versions of clothing, weapons, and other material culture could be made in less time and would more easily be purchased and displayed.