Museum Collection Fund

This is a red catlinite (pipestone) pipe bowl in the form of an eagle claw wrapped around the pipe bowl.

These mocassins have a delicately embroidered vamp executed with very fine bird quillwork.

This is a dark blue wool cloth dress with three bands of ribbon trim, red and white, along the bottom hem and sleeves. Individual teeth are tied in a yoke pattern on the front and back of the dress. The dress has rows and circles of brass and tin sequins on the skirt. Purple, ribbed silk binds the neck. The bottom hem has geometric cut edge so that it dips lower on each side than the front and back, a reference to historical hide dresses where the legs of the animal would be kept and oriented to the sides of the dress.

Consultants agreed this shirt was probably Metis or Santee (Eastern Sioux) made in the late 1800s. Style derived from Red River Métis sometimes called Eastern Sioux or Crow. Beadwork has long, spidery look i.e. Crow design where the flower sets in. So may be a mix- Métis inspired Eastern Sioux or Crow. Collar was originally navy blue now faded. The shirt might have been made for army personnel, as this was a popular souvenir to acquire.