Journey Around the World: Threaded Together- North America, South America, Europe

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The Museum is open Fall and Spring semesters, Monday-Friday from 1:00-5:00 or by appointment. During winter break and during the summer, the museum will be open by appointment only. Admission is free but donations are accepted. If you would like to visit or schedule a tour please call 316-978-7068 or email holmes.museum@wichita.edu holmes.museum@wichita.edu.

North America

Sealskin jacket with a collar and two front pockets with a metal zipper.

Inuit Jacket

Frobisher Bay, Nunavut, Canada, North America

The Inuit people have culturally been known to inhabit the most northern regions of North America. Due to the harsh climate and weather, much of Inuit clothing have utilitarian purposes; such as providing warmth. This jacket is made of individual strips of sealskin sewn together with two pockets sewn in the front. While there are buttons running along the front of the jacket that are made of walrus tusk ivory. There is an interesting aspect to the garment, which is that of a metal zipper, most likely added later.

Donation from Loring Smith

1994.10.002 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Leather cream-colored moccasin with red, blue, white beadwork. Silver metal studs run down the center. Blue three-pointed geometric beaded design on the toe of the foot.

High-Top Leather Moccasins

United State of America, North America

The moccasins displayed belong to an indigenous Native American group of the Great Plains located in the United States of America known as the Kiowa. Moccasins, while very decorative, are also functional as they are typically worn to stay warm during colder weather on the Great Plains. Narrow lanes of design work, geometric shapes, and vertical line patterns found on the moccasins displayed demonstrate key Kiowa preferences regarding ornamental decoration, metalwork, and beadwork. Color choices and patterns regarding beadwork is considered to be an extremely personal reflection of the artist who made the moccasins and the story they want to tell. What do the red, blue, and white colors say to you?

Donation from Carol Reel

2016.06.024a,b Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Huipil has an orange, blue, brown, and yellow woven pattern. Flowers as the main design with birds in the middle.

Huipil

San Marcos Paistinia, Guatemala, Central America

The huipil is one of the most recognizable outfits among indigenous peoples in Guatemala. A huipil is a loose fitting tunic made of two or more rectangular pieces threaded together leaving openings for the head and arms. Traditionally, these rectangular pieces are woven on a backstrap loom that are then heavily decorated with designs. Such designs include embroidered depictions of nature; flowers, birds, and bright colors. The decorative elements found within the huipil have the ability to signify history, cultural identity, or even something personal about the wearer. A variety in style of huipil are still worn today. Some huipil are worn as everyday wear while others are ceremonial; because of this, the garment can vary in length and detail.

Donation from Jerry Martin

2014.07.005 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

South America

Headdress of red woven material with red feathers sewn to the top of the headband. Body of band decorated with repeated white diamond design.

Headdress

Paraguay, South America

Paraguay is home to the indigenous Lengua people who live in the Gran Chaco area of the country. Red woven, feathered and beaded headdresses are typical amongst the Lengua for ceremonial purposes such as dances, feasts, and festivals. Traditionally, only Lengua men wear headdresses. This headdress in particular was worn by a leader during a puberty festival, a ceremonial rite of passage. Some headdresses are paired with a very decorated scalp lock, generally with rhea feathers and red wool. A scalp lock is a long tuft of hair on the crown of a shaved head; most commonly belonging to a warrior.

Donation from Peter Kroeker

1970.07.011 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Cap made from a variety of bright-colored wool. Triangle shaped side earflaps.

Quechua Wool Cap

Cuzco, Peru

This knitted wool cap with earflaps, of the Quechua people, is more commonly known as a chullo. Chullos are frequently worn throughout the Andes Mountain Region to protect the wearer from cold temperatures and harsh elements. This cap is most often worn by men and boys within Andean communities. The first chullo a child receives is typically one knitted by their father. The different colors, patterns, and weaves have significance throughout the region, as they are often used to distinguish between communities and villages.

Donation from Hubert Arnold

1994.14.006 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Europe

Full Austrian costume with a striped skirt, apron, top, vest, bonnet, and scarf. All follow the same red and white colors. Scarf and bonnet decorated with red roses.

Woman's Austrian Ensemble

The Republic of Austria, Europe

This ensemble or dirndl falls within the category of traditional clothing, also known as 'tracht', found in many German-speaking countries including Austria. It is composed of two key components: a close-fitting bodice worn atop a white blouse and a colorful apron. However, accessories may be worn to enhance the garment such as a scarf, a small purse, and a bonnet. In Austria, people still enjoy wearing 'tracht' on official occasions like weddings and festivals.

Donation from Frances Brown

1990.09.008a-f Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology