Moccasins, quill embroidered

Moccasins, quill embroidered

Moccasins, quill embroidered

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Introduction

These relatives, a pair of moccasins, are decorated with quill plaiting of red, white, and black quills, creating bold geometric patterns. Along the toe, the design begins as three rows of quillwork which transition into a single row that extends to the tip of the toe. The heel is also decorated with a single row of plaiting, plus very thin waving lines of white quills. Adorning the cuffs are two rows of quill plaiting accompanied by a line of waving quillwork. A fine line of red quillwork edges the cuffs as well. These relatives, whether through use or collection conditions, show signs of wear as only a few of the dark metal cones and red-dyed hair adorning the cuffs remain. All of this intricate quillwork, as well as the precise gathering of the leather at the toes demonstrate their maker as a skilled artist. 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
Maker role: Artist
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.

Summary of Source(s) for this Relative

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

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. Almost all of the decorative metal cones and hair are missing. Stable condition.
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular times, materials, styles and uses

Städtisches Museum Braunschweig records.

Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: 1710-0025-00
Date of Acquisition by the Institution: 1899
Who the Institution Acquired the Relative or Heritage Item From: Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum.
Collection Narratives and Histories

Received by Städtisches Museum Braunschweig in 1899 as part of the ring exchange via the Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum.

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.

GKS Reference Number: 59247
How to Cite this Item

Maker, Name unrecorded. Moccasins, quill embroidered. GRASAC ID 59247. Städtisches Museum Braunschweig 1710-0025-00.

Record Creation Context

This record was created by Samantha Giguere on December 4, 2025. It was informed by researcher visit to Städtisches Museum Braunschweig, October 21 and 22, 2024. Researchers present: Naomi Recollet, Shaelynn Recollet, Daintry Kewayosh, Beendigaygizhig Deleary, Duke Peltier, Samantha Giguere.

Source of Information about Places

Place of origin is unclear.