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Cradleboard and Beadwork

Cradlesboards were normally made by Aunts, Grandmothers and Sisters/Sister-in-Laws, never by the Mother herself. They took up to 9 months to make. Each was made individual for that specific child. They were not passed from child to child. If a child died, it was buried in its cradleboard. Here are also some examples of Peyote Beadwork. It is used mostly on ceremonial pieces.

Ceremonial Regalia

Ceremonial Regalia is clothing that was worn on special occasions, not everyday life. The everyday functional clothing was very plain and quiet, where Ceremonial clothing was decorated with many beads, cowalry shells, elk teeth, pony beads, horse hair and brass cones. Notice the Strap Dress with cowlery cape. The blue is a Cherokee Tear Dress. They were first designed during the "Trail of Tears". Ribbons were given to the Cherokee to mend tears in clothe. Later this was adapted to decorate the Tear Dresses and Ribbon Shirts. Finally, there are two examples of Crow Cowlery Dresses.

Hairbone Breastplates and Chokers

Hairbone Breastplate for a male.