Moccasins

Moccasins

1890s
Culture
Cheyenne
Object
moccasin, pair
Medium
Leather and glass beads
Accession Number
1948.88A-B
Credit Line
Anonymous gift
Cheyenne artist. Moccasins. 1890s. Leather and glass beads. Anonymous gift. 1948.88A-B.
Department
Native Arts
Collection
Indigenous Arts of North America
Cheyenne moccasin designs are often used to record cultural and religious lessons.  These designs can help remind the person wearing the moccasins about their religion and how they should behave.  The eagle design seen in this pair reminds a person that the eagle is the most sacred bird because it flys higher than all other birds to a level closest to Maheo (the Creator).  The eagle is a sign of power and, when beaded on a moccasin, shares its power with the person who wears it.
Known Provenance
Anonymous collector, before 1948; Denver Art Museum, 1948.