Native American, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Inuit, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A fine pair of handmade women's moccasins of seal hide as well as cow, fox, and rabbit fur. The skin of bearded seals is very tough and was a popular choice for the soles of shoes. The toebox is covered with a brown and white layer of cow hide with a decorative leather border of blue, red, and white cord. The opening is trimmed with fluffy, white fur from an arctic fox. The inside is lined with a low piled flannel textile, and the footbed is made from arctic fox or rabbit fur. These cozy shoes would certainly be quite warm! Size: 10.25" L x 3.5" W (26 cm x 8.9 cm)
Provenance: private Littleton, Colorado, USA collection, purchased from Peter Sovalik, Arctic Research Laboratory, Barrow, Alaska, USA in 1961
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#166432
Condition
Some minor shedding of hairs. Light signs of use and minor scuffs to soles. Organic matter on toes. Musty smell from storage. Not recommended for wearing.