Treasures from Our West: Child’s moccasins

Originally featured in Points West magazine in Fall 2012

Child’s beaded moccasins, Cheyenne

These moccasins, just over six inches in length, were most likely made for a little boy. Fully beaded on the top, sides, and sole using both glass and metal beads, moccasins such as these were lovingly made for a special child and would have been worn for ceremonies and other significant occasions. The beaded lizard on the soles is typically a boy’s design. This pair is Tsistsistas (Cheyenne), and dates to approximately the 1880s.

Child’s moccasins, ca. 1880. Tsistsistas (Cheyenne), Plains. 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.202.1373

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