Negative 4640, National Anthropological Archives, Smithsonian Institution
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Historically, female members of the Cheyenne and Sioux tribes have been responsible for hide work, quillwork, and beadwork. Due to the estimated age of these bags, which is unto 150 years old, it is likely this is the case. However, it may have been more than a single individual, and rather a family group or a women’s society responsible for their creation.
Today, the art forms of quill and beadwork are still actively practiced by Plains Indian groups. In addition, the skills are no longer limited to women only, but men are welcome and do participate. The picture to the left is of a Plains woman working on a beadwork design. The image is from the National Anthropolological Archives |
SPC Plains Mandan BAE 1-12 00679700, National Anthropological Archives, Smithsonian InstitutionShared KnowledgeIn the past, with the exception of hunting the bison, elk, or deer for hide use, women were the only ones who possessed the knowledge and skill of quill and beadwork. These soft bags, tipi bags, or possible bags were often made by the female family members of a bride, and given to her on her wedding day as well as other occasions. These female family members would work together and share responsibility for the creation of the gift. Quill and beadwork knowledge was shared and passed down from older women to younger girls. This was done through both family and through the community. Within some groups, women's quill and beadwork societies thrived. For example, the Cheyenne had "decorative arts" women's societies which required initiation, and the members, "understood the meanings of different designs", meaning they were well versed in all tribal design patterns and symbolism. The Plains woman in the image above is performing quillwork. She has a young child with her to whom she may be teaching this art form. |
Emil Her Many Horses
Bead and Quillwork TodayToday, not only women practice quill and beadwork, but male artists like Emil Her Many Horses who is a Lakota artist and curator at the National Museum of the American Indian, actively create such artworks. In the attached video, he describes how men in the communities came to practice these art forms. In addition, Joallyn Archambault who is the Director of the American Indian Program at the National Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., discusses artwork traditions and how these practices are passed down today. |