Pair of Moccasins c. 1885

This pair of moccasins, crafted by an artist from the Nakoda (Assiniboine) tribe, is adorned with intricate beadwork. Predominantly blue, the beadwork contrasts sharply with the tan leather of the moccasin tops. The beads create a textured surface, inviting a tactile as well as a visual experience. The structure of the moccasins is bisected into two distinct parts: The foot covering, where the meticulous beadwork is and the plain tan leather that covers the wearer's ankle. The color and pattern of the beads draw the eye, with geometric shapes in white, red, green, and dark blue. There's a formal interplay between the structure and the ornament. The beaded designs aren't just decorative; they're a form of visual language. These choices in material and design reflect a deliberate articulation of cultural values and beliefs, subtly expressed through the meticulous craftsmanship of the beaded surface.