Clothes of the Iroquois

As most North American Indians, the Iroquois wore clothes made of suede, i.e. processed animal skins. In the 18th century they transferred to European materials and in the 19th century clothes made of skins became rare. On the exposition one can sea a costume of the chief of the Iroquois tribe called Seneca in which European and Indian elements are combines. The shirt and pants are made of fabric, while on the chief’s shoulders we sea an ancient suede cloak decorated with a pattern that served as a talisman. The breast decoration – “sun disc” – is made of wampum – cut shell pieces. More often wampum was used for decorating festive belts. Various symbols on such belts denoted the most important events in the life of a tribe – making peace, rich harvest, etc. From the 18th century glass beads began to be used for decorating wampum belts.

Deerskin cloak.  Canada. The Hurons. Mid 18th cent.		Traditional men's costume.  Canada. The Hurons. Mid 18th cent.