Sleeman Makazin Item Number: 2887/1 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Pair of beaded cardboard moccasins. The sole and outside body are made from stitched together pieces of light brown paper from a beer case. The case’s perforations can be seen in the paper, and spots of adhesive remain. The toe-top is made from the red title labels of the case, and small, white glass beads have been sewn on in decorative patterns. The inside of each moccasin is lined with dark blue denim which is attached to the body with red stitching along the top.
Narrative
From a series of 'urban moccasins' made by the artist. Duffek noticed them when they were featured at the Grunt Gallery, and later at Gallery Gachet (both in Vancouver). The artist's statement about this series: "My work concerns memory and expression of Aboriginal identity, where materials carry social and cultural significance. My moccasins focus upon the commodity aspect of Aboriginal culture and selling an idealized First Nations body. Issues of racism and marginalization are exposed in the works, presenting a realistic rather than romanticized reality for Aboriginal peoples. I reinvent typical Native objects sold to tourists, such as the moccasin, and combine them with personal comments on urban living for aboriginal peoples. The moccasins tell stories of power relations, loss of culture, and finding personal strength."
Item History
- Made by Charlene Vickers (Maker) in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada during 2004
- Collected by Karen Duffek during 2011
- Owned by Charlene Vickers before June 16, 2011
- Received from Charlene Vickers (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Acquisitions Budget (Funding source) on June 16, 2011
What
- Name
- Sleeman Makazin
- Identification Number
- 2887/1 a-b
- Type of Item
- moccasin
- Material
- paper, cotton fibre, adhesive and glass
- Part A
- height 9.0 cm, width 10.5 cm, depth 28.5 cm
- Part B
- height 8.5 cm, width 10.5 cm, depth 29.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Anishinaabe
- Creator
- Charlene Vickers (Maker)
- Field Collector
- Karen Duffek
- Previous Owner
- Charlene Vickers
- Received from
- Charlene Vickers (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Acquisitions Budget (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- during 2004
- Collection Date
- during 2011
- Ownership Date
- before June 16, 2011
- Acquisition Date
- on June 16, 2011
Other
- Item Classes
- beadwork; textiles
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 28
- Accession Number
- 2887/0001 a-b