Materials

Northwest country/English very fine black stroud (raised and fluffed but not cropped and napped; surface is rough) with rainbow selvage across the top. Stroud could have been in circulation through annuities (ended in 1855) or HBC (until 1860's). Beadwork style indicates 1830s or earlier because of limited colours (6). Brighter side of beading the front with shadowing on the back (duller colours); 13-15 size beads. Calico lining - basic indigo polka dot calico. Ribbon may have been purple fading to green. Ties are made of wool yarn black (faded to green) and red.

Techniques or Format

Beader had excellent control. Stylistically similar to Cree/Innu beadwork. Doesn't have outlines or paper for beading. Calico lining is under the beaded panel as reinforcement on the inside.
Men's leggings - not very long and narrow - perhaps for a boy.

Motifs and Patterns

Very dynamic; repeating unit that repeats twice; shadow side --half curve motif - fiddle heads?

Style is transitional from linear to floral; repetitional motif - green beads bordering undulating line (undulating line in large curves).

Dimensions: 55.5 × 18.5 × 3.5 cm

Condition: moth holes, some batted by conservation; a piece on the border has been cut away.

Current Location: Canadian Museum of History, Ottawa, Canada

Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: III-M-49 a, b

GKS Reference Number: 26787