Man’s Moccasins
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.These elaborate moccasins have white beaded borders and central bands that resemble an animal’s hooves. In a unique configuration, the artist combined unusually long trailing fringe at the heel, with a sole edged in fringe, faceted beads, and quillwork. Split tongues—here tipped with metal cones—identify the pair as belonging to a man; the tongues were undivided on moccasins for women. Moccasins such as these were worn only on special occasions and proclaimed their owner’s wealth and status.
Artwork Details
- Title: Man’s Moccasins
- Date: ca. 1850
- Geography: United States, Upper Missouri region
- Culture: Probably Lakota (Teton Sioux)
- Medium: Native-tanned leather, glass beads, wool cloth, metal cones, porcupine quills
- Dimensions: Length: 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm)
Width: 5 7/8 in. (14.9 cm)
Depth: 3 3/8 in. (8.5 cm) - Classifications: Hide-Costumes, Accessory-Foot and Leg wear-Unisex
- Credit Line: National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. (088057.000)
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing