Pair of Moccasins c. 19th century

This is a pair of moccasins made by the Nēhiyawak, also known as Cree. The moccasins are made of tanned hide and adorned with glass beads. These moccasins offer a glimpse into the complex intersections of identity, culture, and colonial history. Native artists like the Cree, adapted their techniques, incorporating European glass beads into their traditional designs. The beautiful beadwork, rendered in colors like red, green, yellow and sky blue, speaks to the Cree’s worldview, beliefs, and relationship to the land. The geometric patterns and the floral motifs embody visual storytelling, reflecting the identity, values, and experiences of the Cree people. The act of wearing these moccasins connects the wearer to the earth, to their ancestors, and to their cultural heritage, preserving Indigenous identity. The moccasins become a personal statement, as well as a powerful symbol of cultural resilience and resistance.