Artwork Page for Cuff

Details / Information for Cuff

Cuff

late 1800s

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

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Medium
Velvet, satin, glass beads
Measurements
Overall: 12.1 x 29.8 cm (4 3/4 x 11 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Anonymous gift in memory of Sarah Ann Morrison 1956.788.2
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 oriented, arched cuff of black velvet is bordered with red satin ribbon and decorated with vibrant glass beadwork. Stylized floral motifs fill the surface: a circular flower with a yellow center and red-and-white petals sits to the left, framed by pink blossoms and yellow leaf shapes. Two silver-gray leaves joined by a thin vine sit toward the straight right edge. The composition balances bold primary colors against the dark fabric.

Cuff

late 1800s

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

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