Garments

“Hair bows” is the designation for American Indian paired head ornaments. These ornaments were popular during the first half of the 19th century among many tribes of the Northern Plains. They were attached to small braids at the temples or along the hairline and secured with wooden pins. During the second half of the 19th century, they came out of fashion among most tribes. However, the Crow Indians continued to use them and still do to this day.

War shirts are some of the most beautiful artifacts plains indians produced. They were not just interesting and attractive pieces of outerwear, but rather a sign of social status. Only distinguished warriors had the right to wear such kind of shirts. The article discusses the meaning of war shirts, constructions details, importance of four beaded or quilled strips, meaning of human scalp locks, ermine tubes and leather fringes, pigment painting, pictographs and many more.

Side seam moccasins are the oldest known type of moccasins from the Great plains. During the first half of the 19th century, they were the only type of shoes worn by most of the Great plains and Plateau tribes. They consisted of a single piece of leather and had soft soles. Some of them were decorated with quill and beadwork. Very often they were made for trading purposes. Winter moccasins with the fur on were also made following this pattern.