< RETURN HOME

9. Beaded Sash- corn motif

Beaded sashes were generally made on a bead loom. Geometric patterns are most common (see #14) but floral designs were also produced. This example is believed to represent corn.

Both Meskwaki men and women traditionally wore sashes, garters, armbands woven from the cordage of native plants and bison hair. Trade woolen yarn was rapidly adopted once it became available in the Great Lakes region. The natives quickly learned to take advantage of its bright colors to create vivid designs, the meaning of which is little understood.

 

<Return to Meskwaki Home


Home / Exhibits / Programs / Plan a Visit / Volunteer / Be a Member / Research Collection / Links / Contact Us
Museum Studies Program / Copyright © 2000 / The University of Iowa. All Rights Reserved.