Artist Unknown, Moccasins

Written by USU Student David Kartchner

April 21, 2017

While not much is known about the origins or exact age of these moccasins, there is much that can be explored and understood about this particular style of footwear. Differences between materials and construction techniques can tell us about the general location and use of the footwear. Additionally, the beading and decoration shed light upon their purpose.

The moccasins are constructed out of two different materials; the sole is made of a thicker and stiffer animal skin than the uppers are composed of. More than likely, the soles are a type of rawhide. This was common in the construction of moccasins in the Plains and the western desert areas.[1] The soles show signs of wear inside and out, indicating that they had at least light use at some point before entering the collection. The uppers appear to be made out of a light and pliable buckskin, more than likely to have been sourced from a deer such as the mule deer that are indigenous to the western United States.[2]

The decorative elements on the moccasin are composed of fine glass beads, which are often referred to as “trade beads.” There are various shades of blue, green, red and white that make up the simple geometric pattern. Traditional moccasins typically have designs on top of the flat portion of the moccasin oriented toward the wearer in order to convey a special or religious meaning to the owner.[3] The design of this particular pair appear to be facing outward, which is atypical of most traditional style moccasins. The symbol on this particular pair may possibly represent the sun, but this interpretation is contingent on which tribe the footwear originated from. It also may possibly be a piece made for sale to collectors or tourists and may not contain any particular meaning. With the lack of information on the exact origins of the piece it is difficult to ascertain the exact meaning or intention of the beadwork on the footwear. 

Sources:
1 Morgan Baillargeon. "Moccasins." Canadian Museum of History. Accessed March 24, 2016.
http://www.historymuseum.ca/…/exhibitions/aborig/mocasin/mo….
2 Tara Prindle. "Overview of Footwear; Mocassins." Native Tech. Accessed March 24, 2016.
http://www.nativetech.org/clothing/moccasin/moctext.html.
3 Morgan Baillargeon. "Moccasins." Canadian Museum of History. Accessed March 24, 2016.
http://www.historymuseum.ca/…/exhibitions/aborig/mocasin/mo….