Cowry shells may have been a replacement for elk's teeth, and the shells become more popular in the 1900s. These shells were likely acquired in Texas. The mescal beans likely indicate peyote association. These beans were a symbol of power in the Native American Church.

Tags: mescal, cowry, hide dress
People: Kiowa
Places: Southern Plains, Oklahoma
Purpose: domestic use, ceremonial use

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