Two Pair of Sioux Beaded Moccasins with Written Provenance

These charming beadwork moccasins were made on commission in 1918 for "Emily" and her daughter "Bess" by the wife of Sioux "Sub-Chief Bulleater" in Gregory, South Dakota. It appears that the order was at the behest of Emily's father, a rancher in Dallas, South Dakota, who also supplied the calfskin used to make the shoes.

Included here are five letters to Emily from her father, who always signed off as "F.G.B." One letter is devoted to the moccasins and is transcribed here as a scanned document.

Emily's moccasins are 9 in.; Bess' shoes are 8 in.

Private Collection

At best, most moccasins on the market are only given a location for provenance. Here we also name the maker, her husband, relevant dates, the location, the giver and the receivers.

The craftsmanship here is exquisite and it appears that not one bead has come loose in the 107 years since the moccasins were made. Both pair of moccasins show age, however young Bess's moccasins show some soiling from use as well.