Ceremonial Apron

NameDance skirt back panel

CultureNative American; Hupa or Karok/Yurok

DateLate 19th century

Place madeCalifornia, United States, North America

MediumSquaw grass, buckskin, pine nuts, glass beads

Dimensions27 × 20 in. (68.6 × 50.8 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of Lloyd E. Cotsen and the Neutrogena Corporation, A.1995.93.1053

Object numberA.1995.93.1053

Collections

The Lloyd Cotsen & Neutrogena Collection

DescriptionLayers of buckskin create a 4" wide waist panel from which the rest of the apron hangs. It has a long (22") fringe of many wrapped strips which are grouped approx. 3 to a bunch. These are then sewn flat together to create a sturdy section at the top. At this point, the individual squaw grass fringes are braided and plaited with grass. Near the bottom end, 2 rows of design are created with double layers of dark pine nuts. There are blue glass beads occasionally interspersed with the seeds. Colors are natural tan, browns, with blue and black beads. Possibly goes with A.1995.93.1157.