Plains-Style Beadwork and Quillwork

[beboots]

I think this is a relatively safe assumption to make: most people, no matter their culture, want to look pretty. Decorative elements exist everywhere, regardless of the materials available. Here in the plains of North America, you couldn't get, say, seashells as easily as you could on the East or West coasts. Therefore, one of the main decorative

Comments

[ext_1073990]

Excellent photos. I really shouldn't look at this sort of thing, though. It frustrates me and makes me sad I haven't the damnedest how to do any of it, lol.

Judging from your page, I take it you've quite an interest in the fur trade and the art styles surrounding it. If that assumption stands, might I recommend “In Search of Métis Art” by Ted Brasser and “Beads, Silk and Quills: The Clothing and Decorative Arts of the Métis.” by Sherry Racette? They both provide some insightful theories as to the origin, spread, and distribution of different kinds of beadwork, though especially of the floral variety. At any rate, they're pretty nifty reads