moccasins

moccasins

moccasins

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Introduction

A pair of centre seam moccasins, decorated with quillwork. Of Wendat origin, made between the late 18th to early 19th century. Part of the Shirley collection, they were loaned to the Pitt Rivers Museum by Colonel Shirley in 1952 and purchased from his son, Major Shirley in January 1966.

Nation of Maker: Huron-Wendat
Nation of Origin

The fine dense bands of quill embroidery and small metal cones filled with alternately blue and red dyed moose hair is very diagnostic of the Huron-Wendat artistic tradition.

Date Made or Date Range: 1770s to 1820s
Summary of Source(s) for this Relative

Pitt Rivers Object catalogue and observations made by the GRASAC research team.

Materials

deerskin, dark smoked; porcupine quills in red, orange, light blue, black and white; imitation glass wampum beads; small metal cones; deer hair, dyed orange and light blue; sewn with linen thread

Techniques or Format

The moccasins have a centre seam construction with the cuffs sewn on in two pieces. Quillwork bands decorate the moccasins, and there is a panel of quillwork over the heel seam.

Motifs and Patterns

Geometric and double curve motifs are found on the moccasins.

Other Notes

The GRASAC research team noted that the moccasins are a superb example of quillwork and design.

Dimensions: 27 × 12 × 0 cm
Condition: Fair. There is evidence of light wear.
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular times, materials, styles and uses

Late 18th to early 19th century, based on the presence of imitation glass wampum beads.

Current Location: Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford, United Kingdom
Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: 1952.5.03
Collection at Current Location: Shirley Collection
Date of Acquisition by the Institution: 1966
Who the Institution Acquired the Relative or Heritage Item From: Colonel Shirley via Major Shirley
Collection Narratives and Histories

This item is part of a collection loaned to the Pitt Rivers Museum by Colonel Shirley in 1952 and purchased from his son, Major Shirley in January 1966. There is a possibility that the moccasins were formerly owned by James Bisset and acquired by Colonel Shirley through the Leamington Museum. (Pitt Rivers Museum Object Catalogue entry)

GKS Reference Number: 25203
Record Creation Context

This record was created as part of a Great Lakes Research Alliance for the Study of Aboriginal Arts and Cultures (GRASAC) research trip to the Pitt Rivers Museum and British Museum, December 8-22 2007, funded by a grant from the International Opportunities fund of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

Record Creation Notes/Observations

researchers present: Heidi Bohaker (HB), Al Corbiere (AC), Stacey Loyer (SL), Janis Monture (JM), Laura Peers (LP), Ruth Phillips (RP), Anne De Stecher (AS), Cory Willmott (CW).

Approximate Place of Origin

43.3, -78.1

Source of Information about Places

Stylistic features.

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