Indigenous Beadwork, Embroidery, and Quillwork: Exhibit Installation

A team of Indigenous artists, historians, and Elders researched more than 100 pieces from eleven museums across Manitoba to create the mámawihitowin | Ganaagishkwadaadiwin | Asenbli | Rencontre | Gathering Exhibit.

The project was led by Ross House Museum Curator Eric Napier Strong, Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library (MCML) Curator Andrea Reichert, and Project Manager Margaret Firlotte.

It was an ambitious initiative to uncover, research, exhibit, and celebrate pre-1900 Indigenous beadwork, embroidery, and quillwork artifacts held by museums throughout Manitoba.

Margaret Firlotte says in her curatorial statement, "We hope that by sharing this collection of our grandmother's pieces through this exhibit, it will encourage the sharing of memories and connections to our families and the land itself throughout our communities."

Métis / Ininiwak, c. 1880-1890


One pair of brain-tanned leather moccasins in a low slipper style. These moccasins are heavily worn and repaired with sinew-sewn patches.

From the collection of the Seven Oaks House Museum.

Métis, c. 1910-1920

The shape of these moccasins with their large vamp indicates a northern origin, and suggests a slightly later date.
 
From the collection of the Transcona Museum.

Mushkegowuk / Métis, c. 1905

From the collection of the Sam Waller Museum.

Anishinaabe, c. 1880-1910

A pair of women's pointed toe moccasins with floral beadwork decoration and black velvet cuff. Beadwork on vamp (tongue) and cuff is predominantly yellow, blue and red floral shapes with white vines.
 
From the collection of the Ross House Museum.

Mushkegowuk / Métis, c. 1906

These moccasins are extremely unusual, as they're made using very traditional techniques on commercially tanned leather.
 
From the collection of the Sam Waller Museum.

The exhibit also included work by contemporary Indigenous artists Bronwyn Butterfield, Meaghen Fillion, David Heinrichs, Tashina Houle-Schlup and Shauna Ponask.

Anishinaabe, c. 1890-1910

A black velvet beaded cradle bag is attached to a u-shaped wooden frame that serves to contain the child and provides a foot rest and the green wooden board functions as a protective hoop.

Métis, c. 1875-1890

Owned by Harriet Inkster McMurray.  Soot accretions in the centre only suggest that it hung above a small fireplace or lamp.

From the collection of the Seven Oaks House Museum.

Métis, c. 1875-1890

We know from Harriet's letters that she practiced quillwork, and letters tell us that her mother and sisters were makers. They also would have exchanged gifts with the most prominent families in Red River.


From the collection of the Seven Oaks House Museum.

(Left) Bandolier bag,  Anishinaabe, c. 1890-1910. From the collection of Le Musée de Saint Boniface Museum.

(Right) Bandolier bag, c. 1900s. From the collection of the Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library.

Ininiwak / Métis, c. 1910-1920


This smoked moose hide jacket is filled with complex floral embroidery that is indicative of the Norway House style. This jacket was purchased by H. Eric Bergman, a local artist and engraver, while working in the Norway House area.

Métis, c. 1900-1910


This black vest has Métis-style floral beaded and embroidered designs throughout. The front is velveteen fabric with four buttonholes and two pockets that are bordered with strands of beads.

Métis, c. 1875-1890

The Inkster family were major collectors who donated to many museums, while some of them were also documented makers. Many of “their” pieces show similar styles and dates, and we have to wonder if they were made by the same people.

(Right) Baby bonnet, Anishinaabe, c. 1880-1900. From the collection of the Seven Oaks House Museum.

(Left) Bonnet, Ininiwak, c. 1880-1900. From the collection of the Sam Waller Museum.

From the collection of Fort La Reine Museum.

Métis, c. 1875-1890

These pillows, owned by Harriet Inkster McMurray, appear to make up a set. There are some indications that they were made by the same artist, or a group of family members.

From the collection of the Seven Oaks House Museum.

(Left) Beaded Cushion, Métis/Nehiyawak/Nihithaw, 
c. 1880-1900. Gift of Sybil Inkster (daughter of Hon. Colin Inkster).

From the collection of the Seven Oaks House Museum.