pair of child's beaded moccasins

unrecorded Wazhazhe (Osage) artist, artist

pair of child's beaded moccasins, early 1900s

Where object was made: Oklahoma, United States

Material/technique: beading; buckskin; cloth; dyeing

Dimensions:
Object Height/Width/Length (Height x Width x Length): a 4.5 x 9 x 11 cm
Object Height/Width/Length (Height x Width x Length): 1 3/4 x 3 9/16 x 4 5/16 in
Object Height/Width/Length (Height x Width x Length): b 3.5 x 7.5 x 10.5 cm
Object Height/Width/Length (Height x Width x Length): 1 3/8 x 2 15/16 x 4 1/8 in

Credit line: The Father Felix Nolte Collection from the Benedictine College Museum

Accession number: 2007.3841.a,b

Not on display

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By the turn of the 19th century, Native American women began using glass seed beads, newly introduced by European traders, to decorate clothing with fine designs and patterns in ways that mirrored existing stylistic traditions. The scrolling floral motifs on the moccasins and jacket characterize the Great Lakes region, while the more linear and geometric designs of the dress and boots reflect traditions of the Great Plains. The delicate constellations of beadwork that enfold these garments attest to mothers’ devotion to their children, transforming the common attire of young tribal members into vibrant symbols of cultural identity. The skillfully embellished clothing worn by these children demonstrates their value as future creators and keepers of tribal knowledge.