Early Blackfeet Ash-Dyed Side Seam Moccasins c.1850

Description

Very rare and early pair of Northern Plains Moccasins, Blackfeet or Crow, with great patination, c. 1850s. Constructed with a single piece of buffalo (?) hide. Hide was treated in a dark black ash. Short fringe from the heel. Has wear on soles and were partially restored. Lg. 10 in.
Side seamed moccasins are the oldest known type of moccasins used in the Great Plains. They preceded the use of the two piece, hard soled moccasins of the second half of the 19th century. Due to the soft sole of these moccasins, they wore out easy. By the 1860s side seamed moccasins were out of style and often thrown away after they wore out, making these a very rare and exciting find.