Cheyenne, southern Plains
1890
Deerskin, glass beads, sinew
Length 11" (27.9 cm)
Provenance: Yoshi Miyake, New York
The incorporation of American eagle imagery into Cheyenne beadwork of the reservation era reflects the complex cultural negotiations of the post-1870s period, when indigenous makers selectively adopted outside symbols and recontextualized them within their own decorative traditions. The American eagle carried specific political resonance for Plains peoples navigating the treaty and reservation system, its appearance on personal objects like moccasins representing a creative response to the dominant culture rather than simple assimilation. Cheyenne deerskin moccasins of the 1890s demonstrate the continuation of high-quality beadwork production within reservation communities, the skill and design investment undiminished despite the constraints of the period.
This pair is beaded across the vamp on deerskin with American eagle motifs in polychrome beadwork on a white ground, flanked by geometric border elements in red, blue, and dark tones, sinew-sewn throughout. The deerskin upper has aged to a warm amber tone, and the construction is consistent with Cheyenne moccasin production of the period. Provenance traces to Yoshi Miyake of New York.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Cheyenne, southern Plains
1890
Deerskin, glass beads, sinew
Length 11" (27.9 cm)
Provenance: Yoshi Miyake, New York
The incorporation of American eagle imagery into Cheyenne beadwork of the reservation era reflects the complex cultural negotiations of the post-1870s period, when indigenous makers selectively adopted outside symbols and recontextualized them within their own decorative traditions. The American eagle carried specific political resonance for Plains peoples navigating the treaty and reservation system, its appearance on personal objects like moccasins representing a creative response to the dominant culture rather than simple assimilation. Cheyenne deerskin moccasins of the 1890s demonstrate the continuation of high-quality beadwork production within reservation communities, the skill and design investment undiminished despite the constraints of the period.
This pair is beaded across the vamp on deerskin with American eagle motifs in polychrome beadwork on a white ground, flanked by geometric border elements in red, blue, and dark tones, sinew-sewn throughout. The deerskin upper has aged to a warm amber tone, and the construction is consistent with Cheyenne moccasin production of the period. Provenance traces to Yoshi Miyake of New York.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
