Moccasins Item Number: Ne223 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A pair of soft hide skin moccasins with the sole sewn to upper with vertical seam at heel. Short tongue in arced form. Beaded floral design, one on each side of both feet, and one each on tops. Concentric rows fill in designs of green leaves, white stems and light blue and dark blue circular flowers. Edging in white bead pattern.
History Of Use
Colourful glass trade beads, first introduced by Europeans to North American Indigenous groups in the east, circa 1675, had an impact on aspects of economic and aesthetic activity. Once made from a single piece of hide folded up and sewn. This pair was made for sale.
Specific Techniques
Tanning to prevent stiffening and decay was done by smoking hide suspended over a slow-burning fire. Spot or overlaid stitch: a bead string is attached at intervals by thread passing over string and through to other side of backing. Occurs between one or more beads, depending on whether design is angled or straight.
Narrative
Purchased by the donor in a craft store.
Item History
- Made in The Pas, Manitoba, Canada
- Collected before 1960
- Owned by Audrey P. Shane before November 8, 1979
- Received from Audrey P. Shane (Donor) on November 8, 1979
What
- Name
- Moccasins
- Identification Number
- Ne223 a-b
- Type of Item
- moccasin
- Material
- cotton fibre, glass and moose skin
- Manufacturing Technique
- tanned, strung, spot-stitched, sewn and cut
- Part A
- height 7.1 cm, width 11.0 cm, depth 24.5 cm
- Part B
- height 7.1 cm, width 11.0 cm, depth 23.5 cm
Who
- Culture
- Plains Cree
- Previous Owner
- Audrey P. Shane
- Received from
- Audrey P. Shane (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- The Pas, Manitoba, Canada
When
- Collection Date
- before 1960
- Ownership Date
- before November 8, 1979
- Acquisition Date
- on November 8, 1979
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles; beadwork
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 44
- Accession Number
- 0572/0001 a-b