Identifying Antique Moccasins
This pair of antique moccasins was crafted in the early 20th century. Based on their construction and decoration, the crafter was most likely a Northeastern Algonquin from the eastern part of Canada. Consequently, experts can determine their origin by closely analyzing these details.
Craftsmen used Braintanned Deerskin to construct the moccasins. Native Americans tanned their own deer hides by softening them with the brain of the animal. After soaking and working the hides, they smoked them to ensure preservation. Before Europeans introduced commercial tanning methods to North America, all animal leather underwent the brain tanning process. Instead of real animal sinew, artisans stitched the moccasins together using cotton thread, marking them as products of the historical period.
The vamp of the moccasins show a very fine ‘pucker’ or gathering of the leather. On the toe there are 10 ‘puckers’ per inch! This style of making moccasins was popular with Native Americans who lived in Northeastern North America. Native American artisans in other parts of North America did not use this moccasin style. Craftsmen constructed the vamp using trade goods such as wool, fabric, and seed beads.
Historical Trade Beads
Native American crafters were very fond of glass beads. The colors that were popular in the 18th and 19th century were colors that can be seen on these moccasins, including Pony Trader Blu
e, Mustard and White Center Red. They were used to create an abstract floral design. Seed beads were also used to edge the entire wool vamp.
The Bovis Bead Company in France continued to make beads in these “old time” colors until they closed in the late 20th century. Stocks of these beads are highly sought after by crafters making reproductions of clothing and accessories. The Wandering Bull, LLC offers several colors and sizes of these Reproduction Beads.
Unusual Features
Craftsmen first attached a wool cuff to the moccasins, backing it with fabric and rolling it up to form a finished edge. Next, they embellished the lower edge of the wool with seed beads for decoration. Additionally, a distinctive feature of this pair of Algonquin moccasins is the leather top of the cuff, which they rolled down and stitched to the moccasin. This design, in turn, created a space to secure the lacing used to tighten the moccasins around the wearer’s feet.
Find More High Quality Native American Craftwork!
We are fortunate to have such a well preserved example of early 20th century craftwork at The Wandering Bull, LLC. People wore these moccasins rather than crafting them as tourist souvenirs. Artisans have repaired some of the beadwork over time. Despite this, these Algonquin moccasins are in very good condition. They would make a fine addition to a beadwork or moccasin collection.
The Wandering Bull, LLC – Native American Craft store is proud to acquire and preserve artifacts like these moccasins for our customers. We are always looking for collections of unique items that you will not find anywhere else! Identifying the age and origin of One of a Kind items is a priority for us. Browse our collectibles section for more beautiful examples of One of a Kind craftwork, both antique and contemporary!
