Jewelry & Adornment

Traditional clothing items were often adorned with additional ornamental elements and worn during special occasions, ceremonies, and intertribal gatherings. Brightly colored European trade goods such as glass beads, cloth, silver and brass ornaments, mirrors and other materials became highly sought-after items.

A wide variety of materials were used for creating cuffs and arm bands: from traditional quill and beadwork to brass fashioned from munition casings, copper from pots and pans, and tin from fruit or vegetable cans.

By the early twentieth century, commercially manufactured gloves or gauntlets were a favorite item for Plains and Plateau artisans to embellish. These highly decorative items were worn during Fourth of July celebrations, rodeos, and pow wows.