Materials

Tanned moosehide; larger metal cones, tendon, also possibly vegetable fibre; cotton thread; red wool.

Techniques or Format

Heel seam is one straight seam, not a T seam. The bottom of the heel seam extends back in a point. Under the vamp piece, it is gathered in a drawstring and drawn tight to make a circle of pleats. The cuffs are one separate piece, then a tongue, then a vamp over the toes.

Pairs of cones are attached in rows across the vamp.

Other Notes

There is a remnant of red wool in the ties on the vamp.

Dimensions: 26 × 12 × 12 cm

Condition: Good. The hide for these moccasins may not have had a complete tanning process, as the moccasins are very stiff. Some pairs of cones are missing, but apart from that they are in good condition.

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

They are included in the 1792 inventory. Autumn Epple theorizes they date between 1700 and 1750 based on their materials.

Current Location: Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, Paris, France

Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: 71.1934.33.14

Link to Institution's Collections Database: www.quaibranly.fr

Related language items in the GKS: mkizin

GKS Reference Number: 1381

How to Cite this Item

Unknown artist, moccasins. Currently in the Musée du quai Branly, 71.1934.33.14. Item photographed and described as part of a GRASAC research trip; GRASAC item id 1381.

Record Creation Context

This record was created by Anne de Stecher during an RAship for Prof. Ruth Phillips.

Copyright

This record will be open on the completion of Anne de Stecher's dissertation in 2011.