Gilcrease Museum is temporarily closed for construction.

Get the Full Story

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

Essay/Description

A rectangular panel of red cotton cloth worn as an apron along with 99.231. As this is the longer of the two pannels, it is probably worn as the back. 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 through 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 binds the bottom as well as provides decoration. The piece is machine stitched throughout.

Curatorial Remarks

This may be a two piece breechcloth.

Tags: breechcloth, apron, wool
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

You may be interested in...

Title(s): 
Black Leggings Society of the Kiowa man's red cloth apron with silk ribbon trimming
Creator(s): 
Harding Big Bow (Artist)
Unknown (Artist)
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: 
99.232
Previous Number(s): 
tl1997.28.3; tl1997.28.3
Department: 
Not On View

Our Online Collections site is a work in progress. If you have information about this item that may be of assistance, please contact us.