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Black Leggings Society of the Kiowa cotton cloth legging with stirrup attachment / Harding Big Bow

Essay/Description

A man's legging hand sewn of white muslin cloth. There is a single muslin tie at the top opening and a strip of muslin sewn at the bottom opening to form a stirrup that passed under the foot, shoe, or moccasin of the wearer. The orientation of this stirrup suggests that the seam of the leggings was at the front of the leg (i.e. the leggings are technically front seam rather than side seam in form). There is a flap formed by the narrowing of the space allotted to the wearer's leg from thigh to ankle. If worn as a front seam legging, this flap would fold properly to the side. If the stirrup was not used, the leggings could be worn as side seam leggings. The flap is sewn closed at it outside edge, top and bottom. White or light colored thread was used throughout. The stirrup does show soiling, indicating its use. There is a tear through both layers of cloth at the upper inside of the leg.

Curatorial Remarks

These leggings are Western, military style.

Tags: legging, cloth, stirrup
People: Kiowa
Places: Southern Plains, Oklahoma
Purpose: domestic use, 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 cotton cloth legging with stirrup attachment
Creator(s): 
Harding Big Bow (Artist)
Unidentified (Author)
Culture: 
Native American; Kiowa (artist and user)
Date: 
early 20th century
Materials/Techniques: 
cotton
Object Type: 
Credit Line: 
Gift of Mr. Harding and Mrs. Pearl Big Bow
Accession No: 
99.233
Previous Number(s): 
tl1997.28.4; tl1997.28.4
Department: 
Not On View

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