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Black Leggings Society of the Kiowa man's red apron with silk trimming / Harding Big Bow

Essay/Description

A rectangular panel of red cotton cloth worn as an apron along with 99.232. As it is the smaller of the two panels, it is probably worn as the front panel. It is constructed of a rectangle of red cotton cloth. At the top (waist) side, there is a doubled band of darker red cotton cloth sewn to form a sleeve though which a belt can pass. On the left and right sides of the front of the panel is sewn a narrow strip of blue-green ribbon. This helps bind the edge. At the bottom front is sewn a strip of multi-colored ribbon in a rainbow pattern. This bands the bottom as well as provides decoration. The piece is machine stitched throughout. The main body of red cloth is pieced out of three pieces.

Curatorial Remarks

This may be a two piece breechcloth.

Tags: breechcloth, apron
People: Possibly Osage
Places: Southern Plains, Oklahoma
Purpose: ceremonial events

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

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Title(s): 
Black Leggings Society of the Kiowa man's red apron with silk trimming
Creator(s): 
Harding Big Bow (Used by)
Unknown (Used by)
Culture: 
Native American; Kiowa (artist and user)
Date: 
early 20th century
Materials/Techniques: 
cotton, silk
Object Type: 
Credit Line: 
Gift of Mr. Harding and Mrs. Pearl Big Bow
Accession No: 
99.231
Previous Number(s): 
TL1997.28.2; tl1997.28.2
Department: 
Not On View

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