Native American

BABY MOCCOASINS

Artist: Unknown
Culture/People: Očhéthi Šakówoŋ Sioux
Place: Northern Plains
Media: Buckskin and beads
Dims: 3.75 x 1.5 x 2.25 in.
Date: c. 1880-1890

Description

Made of buckskin by the mother during pregnancy, the soles of these mocassins are completely beaded. These are worn during the first naming ceremony, then worn until they have been outgrown. The mother then repairs them and gifts them to a special friend of the family. I was immediately drawn to them and the meaning behind having shoes for a newborn and why it’s important to have such a ceremony. —Aurora Escobedo (Tesuque Pueblo), Hands-On Student Curator, 2018

RTC No: NA0926
Gift of Ralph T. Coe, 2011

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