An in-depth study of Native American culture must also include a look at Native American Clothes. In fact, this can be a fascinating study all unto itself. As is with most Peoples around the world, how we dress is a proud expression of who we are as a Country, a particular ethnic group, Tribe or, as an individual. The Indians were no different in that regard however, there are many factors as to why, how and what they wore.

Native American Clothes

Resources

The old saying, ‘you can only work with what you got’ applies here as one of the biggest factors in American Indian clothing. Of course, the animals available for hides, leather or furs were different in each region of the Country. Some of these included Deer, Elk, Bears, Bison, moose and, where big game wasn’t available smaller animals were used and their pelts stitched together. Rabbits, Wildcats, Beaver, Weasels, Raccoons, and Otters are some examples. Mountain Sheep Wool and Goat hair were used by the Indians of the Pacific Northwest and a weaving technique was developed for Native American clothes and spectacular blankets.

Cotton had been grown from ancient times in the American Southwest and, the Hopi Tribes also created different ways of weaving to make a variety of clothing styles. The Cherokee of the American Southeast even learned how to make a soft cloth from the Mulberry Bark. Other Tribes such as the Paiute and the Washoe learned to use plants and roots to dry out and make a fiber that could be woven. The Indians were very creative in using the natural resources available to them in making clothes.

Climate

The weather of any particular region across America differs greatly and, so this factors into how different each of the many Tribes dressed. In the North where it is cold, their clothing had to provide adequate protection from the elements. Full Buckskin pants and shirts, full dresses and thick robes and shawls were worn, whereas, in the hot desert regions, little more than just loincloths were all that was needed. With the changes in the seasons in the temperate zones, they had to be prepared for all kinds of different weather conditions and this is reflected in the variety of styles seen worn by the Native Americans.

Fashion

Weather and resources may be the most important factors in how Native American Tribes clothing turned out to be but, they had an artistic sense of style and fashion that was highly decorative and sophisticated. Many of their costumes were adorned with beads, patterns and were colorful and expressive. Indians often created special costumes for their rituals and ceremonies that included Headdresses and War Bonnets made from colorful feathers and, wore Breastplates, Jewelry, and other decorative accessories.

Preservation

It is only because of the American Indians great pride in their heritage and culture that their original costumes and style of clothing remain to this day. Except for special occasions like Pow Wows, Indians today dress like everyone else but, they have preserved their history remarkably well. There are many Native American Museums across the Nation now where their period original clothing may be seen first hand. At least this part of their rich culture has not been lost.

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