Moccasin

Datec. 1880-1900

MediumLeather, beads, sinew, commercial made leather string, thread

DimensionsOverall: 4 × 3 3/4 × 10 1/2 in. (10.2 × 9.5 × 26.7 cm)

Object numberT0861a-b

Credit LineGift of Harold C. Buckingham Jr.

Photograph by Richard Walker

Label TextThese split tongue animal hide moccasins are made in classic Tsitsistas design. The elegant bead work disk is the four direction symbol. The cardinal directions are sacred to the Tsitsistas as demonstrated by the use of the four holy colors; red, white, black, and yellow each associated with a direction. The use of the symbolism and colors in the moccasins was to give power to the wearer during ceremonies.
ProvenanceHarold Buckingham, Jr.
BibliographyFognell, Eva and Alexander Brier Marr, eds. Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection at the Fenimore Art Museum, 2nd ed. Cooperstown, New York: Fenimore Art Museum, 2016, p. 155.

On View

On view