Plains Indians Moccasin Patterns

The Plains Indians' moccasin patterns were one of the few specific wardrobe elements that were shared by all Native Americans. Though the patterns differed from tribe to tribe, the moccasin itself was the staple footwear of choice for Native Americans throughout the country.

Decoration set tribes apart from each other.

The moccasin is a sturdy shoe that might be described as a slipper-type style by some. It is constructed of tanned leather and may have some manner of decoration adorning it. The shoe has transitioned into modern life quite easily, often seen on women who wear them both for comfort and to make an unexpected style statement.

The Plains Indians wore this type of shoe exclusively, for everyday life as well as ceremonies and special events. The traditional moccasin worn by Native Americans was made of soft leather and was sewn with sinew to bring it together neatly. Some tribes used hardened rawhide to construct a more durable sole, and often rabbit fur or sheepskin was used as a lining for extra warmth.

However, although the construction was similar, the patterns and designs of the shoes were vastly different in just about every tribe. These patterns were essentially what set them apart from each other. In fact, Native Americans often used the shoes' patterns as a way to determine the tribal affiliation of others.

Women also wore moccasins, usually in the style of boots. These were not the boots we typically wear today, but thigh-high, thick leggings sewn to regular moccasins to create one long piece. In addition to these, mukluks were eventually worn, too. These heavy-duty boots were invented by Eskimos and were constructed of reindeer hide, fur and sealskin. Perfect to wear in harsher conditions, these boots were eventually procured by Native Americans through trade with the Eskimos. The Indians, though, used buckskin and caribou to fashion their mukluks.

The unique patterns of moccasins set one tribe apart from the next. Though the differences were often quite subtle, they were still discernible enough by tribesmen. It's interesting to note that many of the common names of some of the larger tribes, such as the Chippewa and the Blackfoot, refer to the designs of their moccasins!

The patterns were created through extensive use of beads, quills and paint. These elements married to create a lavish and quite elaborate piece of art. Since the patterns varied from tribe to tribe, it was not uncommon to spot floral prints on one set of shoes and geometric patterns on another. Some common elements of patterns worn specifically by Plains Indians included:

• Beads: Geometric beadwork was sometimes used to decorate the area around the sole all over the shoe. Plains Indians who were getting married would wear moccasins covered completely in beads. Those Plains Indians who passed away wore completely bead-covered moccasins when buried. These shoes were beaded even on the bottom of their soles!
• Quills: Patterned quillwork was used for the same purpose, often forming geometric designs.
• Cuffs: The cuffs of Plains' moccasins were not typically decorated, the hide instead peeking out and creating great contrast to the rest of the shoe's more decorated style.
• High-tops: The high-top or boot-style moccasin was heavily decorated for special events with seed beads, metal coins and porcupine quills.

If the style of decorated moccasins has inspired you to add a pair or two to your own wardrobe, you're in luck. The artistic styles of these historical shoes is still alive and well at many specialized retailers, who design everything from slippers to custom-beaded styles. Check out these retailers for an impressive selection:

• Anicent Ways Native American Arts: The company's beaded moccasins for adults are especially striking thanks to the beaded Shoshone rose design. The Shoshone were not a Plains tribe, but the attention to beadwork is right in line with the practices of the Plains.

• Neo'kis'tomi: Created by Blackfeet tribal members, the moccasins on this site are indicative of the elegant handiwork that went into each Plains' shoe. Footwear for children and adults is available.

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