The traditional moccasin was a simple one-piece soft-soled style.
Most current styles are two piece-a hard rawhide sole, and a soft skin upper body, with cuffs, known as "fill-in." The two pieces are sewn together with sinew thread.
The back of the moccasins had several strips/thongs sewn to the back seam
During trade times, buckskin ankle wraparounds could be replaced by canvas of canvas-this was seen as a sign of hardship.
Winter moccasins are fur lined on the outer upper body.
The upper body is decorated before it is sewn to the rawhide sole.
The designs of the moccasins are characterized by relatively small areas of decoration, confined largely or entirely to the front or toe and instep area.
Upper bodies completely covered with beadwork are common among the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Sioux tribes.
2
Moccasin Patterns - "Sakonimmaan" 2011
Fort Whoop-Up National Historic Site
Credits: Anne Reid (artist)
3
Moccasins, Fully Beaded - "Niitsitsikin" (original footwear) Circa 1940s
Fort Whoop-Up National Historic Site
Credits: Quinn Pereverseff
4
Moccasins - "Niitsiitsikiistsi" (original footwear) Circa 1940s
Fort Whoop-Up National Historic Site
Credits: Gord Tolton
5
Single Child's Moccasins - "Niitsiitsikiistsi" (original footwear) Circa 1970
Fort Whoop-Up National Historic Site
Credits: Gord Tolton
6
Moccasins - "Niitsiitsikiistsi" (original footwear) Circa 1930s
Fort Whoop-Up National Historic Site
Credits: Gord Tolton
7
Moccasins - "Niitsiitsikiistsi" (original footwear) Circa 1925
Fort Whoop-Up National Historic Site
Credits: Gord Tolton
8
Moccasins - "Niitsiitsikiistsi" (original footwear) Circa 1925
Fort Whoop-Up National Historic Site
Credits: Gord Tolton
9
Moccasins - "Niitsiitsikiistsi" (original footwear) Circa 1975
Fort Whoop-Up National Historic Site
Credits: Gord Tolton
10
Moccasins - "Niitsiitsikiistsi" (original footwear) Circa 1965
Fort Whoop-Up National Historic Site
Credits: Gord Tolton
11
Moccasins - "Niitsiitsikiistsi" (original footwear) Circa 1960s
Fort Whoop-Up National Historic Site
Credits: Gord Tolton
12
Moccasins - "Niitsiitsikiistsi" (original footwear) Circa 1920s
Fort Whoop-Up National Historic Site
Credits: Gord Tolton
13
Moccasins - "Niitsiitsikiistsi" (original footwear) Circa 1920s
Fort Whoop-Up National Historic Site
Credits: Gord Tolton
14
Moccasins - "Niitsiitsikiistsi" (original footwear) Circa 1920s
Fort Whoop-Up National Historic Site