Vest Item Number: 3194/12 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Beaded vest. Vest is made of leather, open at the front with two leather tie closures. The front is completely beaded in white edged in red, surrounding a blue vine running down each side carrying multicoloured flowers and foliage. Short, thick fringe hangs from the edges and bottom of the garment as well as in a strip down the centre back. To either side of the strip are two red beaded crosses, four in total, with lines of red beading along bottom and shoulder. The interior of the garment is lined with blue and cream gingham cotton.

Narrative

Robert Gale's grandfather (Gervase Edward Gale) was a missionary and principal of St. Paul's School at Cardston, Alberta, on the Blood Reserve, c. 1904-1910. His grandmother, Hattie May is said to have collected the Blood (Kainai) objects in MOA accessions 3194 and 3239.