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Man's Shirt
Northern Plains, probably Blackfeet
Not on view
Two antelope or mountain-sheep skins form the foundation of this shirt, which would have been worn by an outstanding warrior, ritual leader, or chief. As an expression of respect for the animals’ spirits, the makers preserved their identities in the garment’s construction. The natural contours of the hides determine the garment’s shape, and the animal’s legs form the hanging tabs. Attached to the right shoulder is a large grizzly bear claw, a symbol of power. A woman produced the blue-and-white pony bead embroidery and the two porcupine quillwork discs on the front and back. A man likely painted the black upper section and red ocher border of the shirt. The male artist or his companions oversaw the final construction of the garment.
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