It is possible that there are mescal beans attached to this dress which may signify a relationship with Native American Church. In the 19th century, Native Americans on reservations in Oklahoma become very low on leather supplies as the amount of game animals dwindle. However, some groups still have supplies of deer hide from other resources. The decline in game animals in Oklahoma resulted in a shift toward broadcloth usage instead of hide.

Tags: hide, dress
People: Plains Tribes
Places: Southern Plains
Purpose: domestic use

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