Old West & Native American Auction
Lot 1207:
Description
These are a stunning pair of early Native American Woodland style moccasins, likely dating from the late 19th or early 20th century. Their construction is notable as they appear to be entirely hand-stitched, combining traditional techniques with European trade materials. The soft, brown leather bodies (suede-like on the vamp/toe area) feature a hard sole patch on the bottom, indicative of some wear or a specific regional style. Given the style, beadwork, and use of trade velvet, these are possibly Mohawk or from an adjacent Iroquois Confederacy nation. A key structural detail is that the rear sole leather has been replaced or patched, a common historical repair to extend the life of well-loved footwear. The decorative elements are particularly fine, featuring rich purple velvet cuffs around the ankle opening, meticulously edged with white glass seed beads. The vamp is heavily decorated with a distinctive floral motif executed in white, translucent green/brown, and deep red seed beads, bordered by a frayed green ribbon or cloth trim. A small, dark ribbon bow at the throat of each moccasin adds a final touch. The condition is commensurate with age and use; there is noticeable wear to the leather soles, fading and fraying of the green trim, and some loss to the beadwork in scattered areas, particularly the small cluster bead elements. The inner lining, which appears to be a red cloth, is frayed at the cuff edge. A key condition note is the presence of shattered or brittle silk in areas, likely part of the inner lining or cuff trim, which is common for this age of textile. H 3″, W 4″, D 9″. From the Native American display in Donley’s Wild West Town.
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