Traditionally modern: Textiles and garments of the First Americans
November is Native American Heritage month in the US. Its aim is to highlight the traditions and modern cultures of Native Americans, including indigenous textile traditions.
A ribbon shirt (TRC 2019.1605), made in 2019 expressly for the TRC collection by Ojibwe textile artist Jenny Kappenman, also illustrates this connection between tradition and modernity. This traditional garment features coloured ribbons representing the Four Directions. But it is made from a non-traditional synthetic fabric that sports a floral motif, imitating traditional Ojibwe beadwork.