Figure 1.-- This cabinet card was taken in 1890 by which time the Plsais Indians had been removed to the Indian Terrirory or other reservation. It was taken by F.L. Greene of Blancard, Iowa, They are the Allen children. The little boy in the middle sitting with his feet prominently dangling in front of the box is showing off his fine Plains Indian beaded moccasins. Not something you see everyday, particularly of American boys in the 1890s. Tops and sides of moccassins are heavily beaded and look new or nearly so. It was of course not unusual for little boys to wear a dress like outfit at this date. Nate how the hair styles indicate gender. We are not entirely sure what the boy's older sister on the right is earing around her neck. Old inked note on verso of photo reads "A merry chirstmas to Aunt Julia Dec 25, 1890. Jennie Alen Gillespie Newton & Sam Allen "

There were enormous variations in Native American clothing. An individual's tribe could be determined from his clothing. Climate was a factor, but only part of the story. Interestingly, virtusally ther only nearly universal element was the moccasin, at least among the tribes north of central Mexico. From Mexico south sandals are barefeet were prevalent. The moccasin was a slipper-shaped shoe fashioned from tanned leather. The word "moccasin" is an Algonquian word. Spelling varies. It is sometimes spelled "mocasin" with one "c". And there are other spellings. The Algonquians word is used because the Algonquancans were among the first Native Americans encountered by Europeans. Other tribes after their own words, but ii is the Algonquancan word that entered into English and French. The basic design of the moccasin was remaekably standard throughout North America, presumably functionality was a factor here. The decoration of the moccasin, however, varied substantially from tribe to tribe. They were worn by mountainmen, but not by settlers. He image here is a rare exception (figure 1). The moccasin has influenced American shoe styles, both the loafer and the deck shoe seem related to the Native American moccasin. Several generatiuons of American boys made moccasins at summer camp.

Created: 9:07 PM 7/6/2009
Last updated: 9:08 PM 7/6/2009