Skirt of medium red with five horizontal bands of patchwork each bounded by a solid color cotton strip (in several colors). Between these bands and strips are larger red fields, each of which is decorated with two stripes of colored ric-rac, straight. Near the waist, above the top patchwork band is a small ruffle of medium blue.

This style may have been introduced to the Seminole by the Gullah from West Africa. It appears more complex over time, and this allows us to date the clothing based on the way they are constructed. Patchwork is the same as ribbonwork, but silk is not used. Pieces of colored cloth are sewn together to create designs. Ribbonwork among Prairie tribes and patchwork among the Southeastern tribes may have similar origins. to be more common during the 20th century, although it was seen in the 19th century. The banded designs become more and more complex over time.

Tags: Seminole, skirt, patchwork
People: Seminole
Places: Southeast, Florida, recently Oklahoma
Purpose: domestic use, personal activity

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