Artwork Page for Boy's Vest

Details / Information for Boy's Vest

Boy's Vest

c. 1880

Plains, Lakota (Sioux), 19th century

Medium
beadwork
Measurements
Average: 45.7 x 38.8 cm (18 x 15 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
James Albert and Mary Gardiner Ford Memorial Fund 1982.62
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

For centuries, beautiful garments and objects have held great meaning for the native groups of the Great Plains. For instance, the Lakota (Sioux) ceremonially intone something sacred wears me. That is, humans don powerful garments but are worn, animated, and protected by the sacred forces within their materials and imagery. By 1700 European Americans began to make their presence felt in the region, and Plains people creatively adopted European materials and garment types into their wardrobes. By 1870 most Plains people had been forced onto reservations, and traditional life shattered—especially for men. The garments on display here all were made after that date.
A leather vest features a ground of white beadwork. At the chest, small American flags rest above dark blue stepped forms. The lower half displays geometric motifs with green and red horizontal bands terminating in sharp points. Dark blue beads trim the open front and armholes. Tan leather fringe hangs from the shoulders and lower hem, while thin leather ties secure the garment.

Boy's Vest

c. 1880

Plains, Lakota (Sioux), 19th century

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