Moccasins Item Number: 2958/2 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A pair of moccasins, heavily beaded on top and sides in a simple geometric pattern cast in pink and blue on white. Lines of pink, dark blue and white encircle the shoe’s lower portion. The back is decorated with a hide fringe from the sole to the top. A long tongue, split at the end, extends out of the shoe body, which is tied closed with a short hide thong.
Narrative
The moccasins were collected by the donor's grandfather, who came to Canada from Britain, in 1936, to source spruce for the construction of Mosquito aircraft. His daughter remembers that he went to Haida Gwaii as part of this work, but did not know where else he traveled. Based on the design, the moccasins seem more likely to have originated in Alberta or Saskatchewan?
Iconographic Meaning
The split tab of the moccasin tongue is said to represent a cloven hoof. This style, along with the chevron beaded design with a three colour border and pink beads is typical of Assiniboine or Gros Ventre designs.
Item History
- Made in Canada ? between 1900 and 1940
- Collected during 1936
- Owned by Brian Gattie
- Owned by Kevin Doyle before May 29, 2012
- Received from Kevin Doyle (Donor) on May 29, 2012
What
- Name
- Moccasins
- Identification Number
- 2958/2 a-b
- Type of Item
- moccasin
- Material
- cotton fibre, rawhide skin and glass
- Part A
- height 6.0 cm, width 12.5 cm, depth 27.0 cm
- Part B
- height 6.5 cm, width 13.0 cm, depth 28.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Assiniboine ? or Gros Ventre ?
- Previous Owner
- Brian Gattie and Kevin Doyle
- Received from
- Kevin Doyle (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Canada ?
When
- Creation Date
- between 1900 and 1940
- Collection Date
- during 1936
- Ownership Date
- before May 29, 2012
- Acquisition Date
- on May 29, 2012
Other
- Item Classes
- beadwork
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 2958/0002 a-b