State Historical Society of Iowa

Meskwaki Beadwork Hair String, 1905

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Meskwaki Beadwork Hair String, 1905
Courtesy of the State Historical Society of Iowa, Chi Ni Ha, 1905

Description

Art has always been a part of life for the Meskwaki. Through the arts Meskwaki artists express pride in their tribe and its values and history. Even today beadworking traditions are keep alive as well as  finger weaving (weaving without a loom), carving, drum performance, dancing and other art forms.  

Source-Dependent Questions

  • Compare this hair string to the bead belt. How are these two items similar? How are they different?
  • What symbols are included in both pieces? How might those symbols represent the Meskwaki?
  • In what ways do Meskwaki artists express pride in their tribe through art, such as this hair string?