Moccasins
Mandan artist, Moccasins, ca. 1850/1870, buffalo hide, porcupine quills, and cotton cloth, The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection, no known copyright restrictions, 91.95.2A,B
This work is not currently on view.
- Title
Moccasins
- Artist
- Date
ca. 1850/1870
- Medium
buffalo hide, porcupine quills, and cotton cloth
- Dimensions (H x W x D)
4 1/2 in x 4 in x 10 3/4 in
- Collection Area
Native American Art
- Category
Plains
Clothing and Textiles
- Object Type
moccasins
- Cultural Group
Mandan
- Credit Line
The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection
- Accession Number
91.95.2A,B
- Copyright
no known copyright restrictions
- Terms
Plains Indian people traditionally used porcupine quills to decorate clothing and other items. As glass beads introduced by traders became more and more available, the use of porcupine quills gradually declined, though it never stopped completely.
The enbroidered design of porcupine quills on the pair of moccasins on the left (91.95.2a,b) is unique to the Mandan; it usually consists of a sectioned circle with pendant triangles, sometimes referred to as "sunburst." It is similar to the quilled and painted designs found on buffalo hide robes of the same period.
