Akunishkeun / Woman's bonnet

As trade materials became more accessible, Aboriginal women created new forms of dress that integrated traditional elements into novel styles. Although the origin of the unique Innu woman's bonnet remains a mystery, it exemplifies this sharing of ideas. Made of red and blue wool cloth, the bonnets are decorated with beads in a typical Innu design. Before donning such a hat, a woman parted her hair in the middle and wrapped each section around a wooden block positioned near the ear. Today, women still wear such bonnets proudly on special occasions.