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• Mohawk artist
• Early 1900s
• Hide, beads, and cloth
• Denver Art Museum collection, 1991.16A-B

The term “moccasin” originates from the Algonquian language, spoken by a group of tribes in the Northeastern United States and into Canada. Each tribe across North America has its own unique word for moccasins in their language. This pair of moccasins was crafted by an artisan from the Mohawk tribe in the Northeastern region. Moccasins made by tribes living in the forested areas of the Northeastern United States and Canada feature soft soles and floral designs on the vamps and cuffs. In contrast, Plains moccasins are distinguished by their tops or vamps, which are entirely covered in glass beads or porcupine quills, and their hard soles, designed to endure rough terrain.