Sxwayxwey Dance Moccasins Item Number: 2621/1 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Pair of leather dance moccasins with tassels around the ankle and lower calf. Beaded floral design on top of foot. Top of upper tassel has been edged by pinking shears and lined with purple fabric. Leather is hand-stitched. Leather laces.

History Of Use

Anthropologist Homer Barnett notes that moccassins were traditionally worn in all Coast Salish communities, but that they were usually reserved for travel in the mountains and winter use. In general, people went barefoot (1955:73). Anthropologist Pamela Amoss notes that today sneakers are commonly part of Coast Salish dance costumes, but that Plateau style beaded leather moccassins have recently been adopted by some dancers. They are only worn during the dances, and then are put away in a bag, because of their soft soles (1978:101).

Cultural Context

ceremonial; Sxwayxwey dance

Narrative

Dance moccasins worn in Sxwayxwey dances by Edward Sparrow, and are considered culturally sensitive for this reason. Mr. Sparrow acquired them from the Interior of British Columbia, near Lillooet, in the early 1970s. The maker’s surname was Douglas. These moccasins were donated to the museum for safekeeping.

Item History

What

Name
Sxwayxwey Dance Moccasins
Identification Number
2621/1 a-b
Type of Item
moccasin
Material
leather skin, fibre, dye and glass
Part A
height 20.3 cm, width 10.4 cm, depth 27.2 cm
Part B
height 19.4 cm, width 9.9 cm, depth 27.3 cm

Who

Culture
Coast Salish: Musqueam
Previous Owner
Edward Sparrow Sr.
Received from
Edward Sparrow Sr. (Donor)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

When

Creation Date
during 1972
Ownership Date
before April 27, 2004
Acquisition Date
on April 27, 2004

Other

Item Classes
beadwork; textiles
Condition
good
Accession Number
2621/0001 a-b