DepartmentTextiles-United States & Canada

Taweekaache

NamePatchwork Skirt

CultureSeminole Nation of Oklahoma

Date2022

Place madeSasakwa, Oklahoma, United States, North America

Mediumcotton, elastic (polyester), rickrack

Dimensions35 1/4 × 30 1/2 × 35 in. (89.5352 cm, 88.9002 cm)

Credit LineIFAF Collection

Object numberFA.2024.8.1

DescriptionSeminole patchwork skirt, with purple diamonds on a dark orange band, and black on top and bottom. Elastic waist.

Patchwork (Taweekaache) was developed by Miccosukee / Seminole women in Florida in the early 20th century. Patchwork was later adopted by Seminole communities who had been forcibly removed to Oklahoma, where it became known as “Florida style.” In Oklahoma communities today, patchwork clothes may be worn for a variety of circumstances (e.g., formal events, powwows, political meetings) but remains most important for dances and rituals held between May and October at named ceremonial grounds, especially those revolving around the Green Corn Ceremony. Daytime events for the Green Corn Ceremony tend to be more formal and limited to ceremonial ground members, while evening events welcome intertribal and non-Native participants. (CHertz)