Collection Story on Sioux Vest

The Sioux were nomadic Plains Indians known for their hunting and warrior culture but they were also known for their quillwork. Porcupine quill decoration is an art form unique to Native Americans.

Quillwork was a sacred art and only some woman had the right to quill. These spiritually inspired women were asked to decorate ceremonial items used in religious rites. Each design was unique and considered personal property of the creator. The quill workers were revered within their communities because of the extreme dexterity, knowledge of natural dyes for coloring the quills and mastery of several quilling techniques.

This boy’s vest was made by an Eastern Sioux living on a reservation using a large floral motif. The traditional tools used are just an awl and sinew thread. Already earlier in the 19th century, Sioux typically used commercially produced beads to decorate – which were cheaper to acquire and easier to use. The maker of this vest chose the labor intensive tradition of quilling.

Today the tribal elders value quill weaving and embroidery more highly than beadwork. There is only a handful of individuals on the Sioux reservations who carry on this tradition. These women have taught their children the art of quilling, in hopes of continuing this beautiful and historic tradition of creating masterpieces.