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Black man'sshirt with beaded design on front / Unknown

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Essay/Description

Black wool stroud with black list at bottom, neck opening unhemmed, silk ribbon border missing on placket; silk ribbon fringe on bottom of placket. Two pearl buttons with male figure in beads at base; white diamond element epaulets on each shoulder. Foliate, cross, and diamond panels on either side down front. Cuffs trimmed in foliate and step terracd elements. Back features deep stepped elements with hearts pendant and floating crescent moon in center

Curatorial Remarks

Unusual to see this much beadwork on a shirt rather than a jacket. This was likely a prestige item.

Tags: man, shirt, beaded
People: Probably Kaw or Potawatomi
Places: Oklahoma
Purpose: domestic use, ceremonial use, formal attire

From interviews with Dr. Garrick Bailey, 2018-2020 University of Tulsa, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology

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©Gilcrease Museum
Title(s): 
Black man'sshirt with beaded design on front
Creator(s): 
Unknown
Culture: 
Native American; Kaw or Potawatomi
Date: 
early 20th century
Materials/Techniques: 
cloth, glass beads, mother of pearl, silk
Classification: 
Ethnographic Objects
Clothing and Garments
Object Type: 
Shirt
Credit Line: 
Gift of Thomas E. and Mariana Wallrabenstein and Hugh C. and Aletha Silcox
Accession No: 
84.3153
Previous Number(s): 
TL2004.59.5
Department: 
Anthropology
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