Robe

Robe

Robe

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Introduction

This tanned,smoked hide robe of Central Great Lakes origin is embroidered with porcupine quills. It dates from before 1880.

Nation of Maker: American American
Nation of Origin

Patterns of Power

Date Made or Date Range: Pre 1880
Summary of Source(s) for this Relative

Patterns of Power

Materials

Tanned, smoked hide; porcupine quills, red, natural white, black; lead cones

Techniques or Format

Quill work in simple line and zigzag band stitches; quill-wrapped self fringe.

Other Notes

The geometric motifs are drawn from the common vocabulary of Great Lakes imagery referring to the great cosmic spirits. The robes may have been worn by shamans and used in the ritual instruction of Midewiwin Society initiates (Patterns of Power).

Dimensions: 162.5 × 123 × 0 cm
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular times, materials, styles and uses

Patterns of Power

Current Location: National Museum of Ireland
Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: NMI 1880.1894
Publication History

Phillips, Ruth. Patterns of Power. Kleinburg,On.: McMichael Canadian Collection, 1984.

GKS Reference Number: 1326
Approximate Place of Origin

44.2, -84.4

Source of Information about Places

Patterns of Power