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: 12.7 x 30.2 cm (5 x 11 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Anonymous gift in memory of Sarah Ann Morrison 1956.788.3
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 velvet cuff with vibrantly colored glass beads centers a circular blossom against a dark brown background. The blossom features a white midpoint with a yellow cross, ringed by blue and red petals. On the left, two silver-gray beaded sprays extend inward. Yellow and pink beaded shapes occupy the top and bottom. Red fabric trim borders the curved right side, while the straight left edge is frayed.

Cuff

late 1800s

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

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