Treasures from Our West: Lakota moccasins

Originally featured in Points West magazine in Summer 2009

Lakota moccasins, ca. 1880

Made from the hides of deer, moose, elk, or buffalo, moccasins are the familiar footwear of Native Americans. They were designed for a tribe’s specific environment such as hard-sole moccasins to protect the feet from cactus, prairie-grass, and rocks. Soft-soled moccasins were common in eastern forests and were well-suited for travel through woodlands with leaf and pine needle-covered ground.

A tribe’s style determined the decoration and structure of moccasins. So distinctive are many designs that one could often tell the wearer’s tribe by his or her footprints and embellished details. Some moccasins have fringe at the heel seam, ankle, or instep; the original intent may have been to obliterate footprints as it trailed behind. Fringe became a decorative element along with beads, quillwork, and embroidery.

Lakota moccasins, ca. 1880. The Paul Dyck Plains Indian Buffalo Culture Collection acquired through the generosity of the Dyck family and additional gifts of the Nielson Family and the Estate of Margaret S. Coe. NA.202.1183

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