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Rare handmade beaded hide moccasin-style boots with beautiful colorful floral beadwork.
This substantial pair features heavy natural hide/leather construction, hand-applied glass seed bead decoration, hide thong ties, and tall soft hide uppers. The floral beadwork includes red, blue, pink, yellow, green, and translucent beads.
The construction and beadwork have similarities to historic Great Lakes/Woodlands Indigenous moccasins, including examples associated with Potawatomi and Menominee traditions. However, the exact tribal affiliation, maker, age, and origin have not been authenticated, and they are being sold as found.
These appear to be handmade and show significant age and wear. Please examine all photographs carefully for condition.
Condition:
Vintage/antique condition with substantial wear from age and use. The hide shows dryness, cracking, staining, surface wear, and areas of deterioration. Beadwork appears largely present but may have missing beads or loose threads. The soles and interiors show wear. Hide ties and edges also show wear.
Please view all photos carefully as they are an important part of the description.
A very unusual pair for a collector of historic beadwork, Indigenous arts, ethnographic textiles, or antique footwear.
Tribal Affiliation / Origin: The exact tribal affiliation, maker, age, and origin of these moccasins are unknown and unverified. Based on their handmade hide construction and floral glass beadwork, they appear to share characteristics with historic Great Lakes/Woodlands Indigenous moccasins. Potawatomi and Menominee traditions are possible comparisons; however, no specific tribal affiliation is being represented or guaranteed. These are being sold as an unidentified handmade beaded hide moccasin pair pending further research
Adult size measuring roughly 12 inches
Booties
Boots
Moccasin
Slipper
Native American
Indian
Handmade
Deerskin
Deer hide
Laces
Glass beads