Moccasins

Moccasins

Moccasins

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Introduction

This pair of moccasins are of Cree origin, dating from before 1800. They are elaborated with porcupine quill embroidery.

Nation of Maker: Cree
Nation of Origin

Patterns of Power

Date Made or Date Range: pre 1800
Summary of Source(s) for this Relative

Patterns of Power

Materials

Hide; woollen fabric, red, black; porcupine quill, red, blue, natural white; sinew.

Techniques or Format

Set-in vamp, traces of the red and black woollen fabric stitched to ankle edge, indicating that there were formerly cuffs and strips of wool trim. The quill work is in simple line and zigzag band stitches.

Motifs and Patterns

The stylized floral design resembles that found on the Jasper Grant paddle as well as on several types of Great Lakes ritual articles. The central image probably represents a type of flower thought to have special powers deriving from the sun manito because of its resemblance to that celestial body (Patterns of Power).

Dimensions: 24.5 × 0 × 0 mm
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 1880.1891
Publication History

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

GKS Reference Number: 1317
Approximate Place of Origin

45.8, -83.9

Source of Information about Places

Patterns of Power

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