John Ewers, the noted ethnologist, once told me that moccasins were the single most collected item from the Plains Indians in the 19th century. The reasons for this are multiple and obvious: easy to transport and equally easy to relate to, the 19th century Indian moccasin in all its splendor was a sharp contrast to the dour black and brown clod kickers that the dominant culture wore. For the Native peoples, moccasins were not only an opportunity for adornment but also, like everything they wore, a sign of tribal identity. Within the parameters of tribal construction lay the opportunity for great variation in color and design. All of these examples stand out for their excellence in these areas within the context of their community and time.
We hope you agree with Dr. Ewers and find these examples easy to relate to and a delight to view.