Artwork Page for Placket

Details / Information for Placket

Placket

late 1800s

Northeast Woodlands, Great Lakes Region, Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) or Nehiyawak (Cree) People?

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Medium
Velvet, cotton
Measurements
Overall: 44.5 x 19.4 cm (17 1/2 x 7 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
Anonymous gift in memory of Sarah Ann Morrison 1956.788.1
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

In the 1800s, native peoples began to use European fabrics to fashion fine formal garments; they favored sturdy cloth, such as velvet and wool broadcloth, which provided support for heavy decorative beadwork that was added by hand. Often the fabric was a dark color, providing dramatic contrast for the multicolored beads. Rather than encrusting the entire garment, beadwork was confined to cuffs, “epaulettes,” bib-like plackets and yokes, rectangular panels sewn to leggings, shirts, and dresses, and the like.
A vertically long black velvet and cotton placket features a symmetrical floral pattern in vibrant white, red, yellow, blue, pink, and teal beadwork. Three central flowers with white and red heart-shaped petals stack vertically. Curving yellow vines and blue four-petaled flowers branch outward, interspersed with pink and teal leaves. A red border trims the narrow shape, which curves at the top. The beaded motifs repeat vertically, filling the dark, plush surface.

Placket

late 1800s

Northeast Woodlands, Great Lakes Region, Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) or Nehiyawak (Cree) People?

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