Woman's Dress
Nez Perce, Idaho, Oregon or eastern Washington
Deer Hide, Sinew Thread, Pony Beads, Dentalium Shells, Pigment, ca. 1850
This striking deer-tail dress is made from two large deer skins. The deer's hindquarters formed the top of the dress. To make a straight shoulder seam, the edges of the hindquarters fold over at the front and back. The deer's neck and forelegs form the lower part of the dress with sections of deerskin added to create a straight edge. The artist sewed bands of rich beadwork across the upper area of the dress for dramatic effect and attached long slender fringes at the bottom to create a sense of elegance.
Woman's Dress
Nez Perce, Idaho, Oregon or eastern Washington
Deer Hide, Sinew Thread, Pony Beads, Dentalium Shells, Pigment, ca. 1850
This striking deer-tail dress is made from two large deer skins. The deer's hindquarters formed the top of the dress. To make a straight shoulder seam, the edges of the hindquarters fold over at the front and back. The deer's neck and forelegs form the lower part of the dress with sections of deerskin added to create a straight edge. The artist sewed bands of rich beadwork across the upper area of the dress for dramatic effect and attached long slender fringes at the bottom to create a sense of elegance.