Type / Object: Moccasins
Tribal Affiliation: Lakota / SiouxRegion /
Origin: Great Plains (North America)
Age: Antique (c. 1880–1910)
Size: 5 Inches (Sole length) / Toddler Size 4-5 approx.
Material: Brain-Tanned Leather, Glass Seed Beads, Rawhide, Trade Cloth
Handmade: Yes
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Condition: Used (Estate Antique)
Antique Late 19th Century Lakota Sioux Fully Beaded Toddler Moccasins (c. 1880–1910)
Up for sale is a beautiful, authentic pair of historic Native American fully beaded children's moccasins, originating from the Great Plains region (most likely Lakota/Sioux). Dating to the late Reservation Period (circa 1880–1910), these moccasins measure exactly 5 inches in sole length, indicating they were custom-made for a toddler approximately 1 to 2 years of age.Construction & Materials:Leather Upper: Crafted from traditional soft, supple native brain-tanned animal hide which retains its antique pliability.
Soles: Thick, stiff, un-tanned rawhide soles featuring classic left-and-right foot contouring. The perimeter seams utilize deeply recessed, countersunk stitching to protect the thread from ground wear.
Beadwork Technique: Executed in the traditional horizontal lane-stitch (lazy-stitch) method using historic European glass trade seed beads.
Color Palette: Features highly desirable antique trade colors including an opaque light "Sioux Blue" background, accented with "greasy yellow," chalky white, pumpkin orange, forest green, and translucent red.
Interior Details: The interior upper cuffs are lined with an authentic, period-accurate manufactured calico/paisley blue patterned cotton trade cloth. Original leather thong ankle ties remain partially intact.
Iconography & Design Motifs:The lane-stitched beadwork displays powerful geometric tribal symbolism. The central stacked green, red, and yellow stepped blocks on the vamp represent land forms and mountain ranges (such as the Black Hills). The flanking red triangular shapes symbolize tipis or camp circles, representing the protection of the home. The solid white-ground edge border signifies paths or trails for a safe journey through life.
Condition Report (Please Review Photos):This pair is in honest, untouched antique condition with a beautiful natural field-wear patina.
Beadwork: The beadwork is largely intact across the body, maintaining strong structural tension. There is localized, historical bead loss directly at the center toe box area of one moccasin (clearly documented in the close-up photo). This is due to natural thread rot of the organic fibers and scuffing from a walking toddler over a century ago.
Hide & Soles: The hide shows natural darkening, light dust accumulation, and soil staining on the rawhide undersides consistent with active outdoor use on the plains. No modern alterations, cleaning chemicals, or repair attempts have been made, preserving full historic integrity.
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