Moccasins, quill embroidered

Moccasins, quill embroidered

Moccasins, quill embroidered

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Images

A photograph of both moccasins showing the quillwork designs on the heels.

A black and white photograph of the quillwork design running down the tow of one of the moccasins.

A black and white photograph showing the quillwork design on the heel of one of the mocassins.

A black and white photograph showing the quillwork design and cone and hair embellishments on the cuff of one moccasin.

A black and white photograph showing the bottom of the sole of one of the moccasins.

Introduction

These relatives, a pair of moccasins, are decorated with red and white quills. Three rows of red and white quillwork, outlined with a border of white quills follow the seam down the toe of the moccasins. A similar pattern of quillwork runs along the heel. Dark metal cones, and what is possibly red-dyed deer hair, hang below three rows of alternating red and white quillwork adorning the cuffs. These relatives show heavy signs of wear, likely from many footsteps taken before their arrival in the museum. This style of moccasin is typically attributed to artists from Anishinaabe or Huron-Wendat nations.

These relatives currently reside at the Städtisches Museum in Braunschweig, Germany.

Name of Maker(s): Unrecorded

Nation of Maker: Anishinaabe Huron-Wendat

Reasons for connecting this relative with particular nation(s)

Based on their similarities in style to Anishinaabe and Huron-Wendat moccasins.

Date Made or Date Range: 18th century

Summary of Source(s) for this Relative

Städtisches Museum Braunschweig records. GRASAC researcher visit to Städtisches Museum Braunschweig, October 2024.

Read More About This Relative

Materials

Leather, porcupine quill, metal, deer(?) hair, thread.

Techniques or Format

Quill embroidered

Original and Subsequent Uses

Used as footwear.

Condition: Show considerable signs of wear from use, including a hole near the inside edge of the toe on the left moccasin. Stable condition.

Reasons for connecting this relative with particular times, materials, styles and uses

Städtisches Museum Braunschweig records.

Provenance

Current Location: Städtisches Museum Braunschweig (City Museum Braunschweig), Germany

Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: A IV b 82 a, b

Date of Acquisition by the Institution: 1871

Who the Institution Acquired the Relative or Heritage Item From: Ludolf von Unger

Date Relative was First Removed or Collected from its Community Context: 1776-1783

Collection Narratives and Histories

Donated to the Städtisches Museum Braunschweig in by Ludolf von Unger in 1871. Collected under unknown circumstances by Johann Ludolf von Unger during his service in the American War of Independence between 1776-1783.

Source for Provenance information

Städtisches Museum Braunschweig records.

Exhibition History

"Souvenirs aus dem amerikanischen Unabhängigkeitskreig" (Souvenirs from the American War of Independence), hosted by Städtisches Museum Braunschweig

Comment on Source of Exhibition & Publication Data

Städtisches Museum Braunschweig records.

About This GRASAC Record

GKS Reference Number: 59190

How to Cite this Item

Maker, Name unrecorded. Moccasins, quill embroidered. GRASAC ID 59190. Städtisches Museum Braunschweig A IV b 82 a, b.

Record Creation Context

Record created by Samantha Giguere. Informed by researcher visit to Städtisches Museum Braunschweig, October 21 and 22, 2024. Researchers: Naomi Recollet, Shaelynn Recollet, Daintry Kewayosh, Beendigaygizhig Deleary, Duke Peltier, Samantha Giguere.

Approximate Place of Origin

43.561237471647, -74.4251169966

Source of Information about Places

Place of origin is unclear. The point on the map is an approximation based on the collection of the item by a German soldier, Johann Ludolf von Unger, during the American War of Independence.

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