Ribbon work facts for kids
Ribbon work is a special way of decorating clothes and dance outfits. It's an art form where different colored ribbons are sewn onto fabric. Many Native American tribes from the Prairie and Great Lakes regions use this technique.
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History of Ribbon Work
Silk ribbons first came to North America with European traders. These colorful ribbons inspired a new and unique art form among Native American tribes.
Early Beginnings
The Mi'kmaq people were among the first to create ribbon designs, starting as early as 1611. Later, in 1789, a big change happened in France. The French Revolution made simple clothing popular, so silk ribbons were no longer fashionable there. This meant many ribbons were sent to North America instead.
Spreading the Art
Tribes who traded furs with the French became well-known for their ribbon work. These include the Kickapoo, Mesquakie, Miami, Odawa, Ojibwa, Osage, Otoe-Missouria, Potawatomi, and Quapaw tribes. Over time, this beautiful art spread to many other tribes too.
How it Changed Over Time
At first, layers of ribbons were sewn along the edges of cloth. This was similar to how painted lines were used on animal hide clothing and blankets. By the late 1700s, Native seamstresses started making much more detailed and complex ribbon designs.
What Ribbon Work Looks Like
Ribbon work uses many layers of ribbons placed on top of each other. Pieces are carefully cut out to create interesting patterns. These patterns use both the ribbon itself (positive space) and the fabric showing through (negative space).
Making the Designs
The edges of the ribbons are sewn down with needles and thread. In the past, cotton thread was used, but now nylon thread is common. The designs and colors often have special meanings for different clans within the tribes. Specific patterns are often taught from mothers to their daughters, keeping traditions alive.
Common Patterns
You can see many different shapes and patterns in ribbon work. Some common designs include flowers, diamonds, stepped diamonds, crescents, hearts, circles, and double-curve shapes.
Ribbon Work Today
Today, you can often see ribbon work on special dance outfits at tribal ceremonies and powwows. It is used on clothing for both men and women. You might find ribbon work on leggings, skirts, blankets, shawls, shirts, vests, and even pillows.
