pair of beaded moccasins with heels

pair of beaded moccasins with heels , late 1800s–early 1900s

Where object was made: United States

Material/technique: wood; leather; buckskin; beading; metal

Dimensions:
Object Height/Width/Length (Height x Width x Length): a 11 x 12 x 23 cm
Object Height/Width/Length (Height x Width x Length): 4 5/16 x 4 3/4 x 9 1/16 in
Object Height/Width/Length (Height x Width x Length): b 11 x 9.5 x 23 cm
Object Height/Width/Length (Height x Width x Length): 4 5/16 x 3 3/4 x 9 1/16 in

Credit line: Source unknown

Accession number: 2007.3738.a,b

Not on display

Add to portfolio

If you wish to reproduce this image, please submit an image request

Images

Label texts

These shoes demonstrate how styles are influenced by cross-cultural exchange. The glass seed beads and satin ribbon brought by European traders were added to natural materials like shells, stones, bones, and porcupine quills that Indigenous communities used. While natural materials come in a variety of colors and could be dyed with natural dyes, the range of colors in these new materials allowed Natives to further develop beaded designs and appliqué patterns. The two pairs of moccasins are indicative of many woodlands cultures. One pair has a heel and shows how Natives began to adapt to Euro-centric fashion while maintaining their identity.