CLOTHING

THE IROQUOIAN TRIBES                               The University of the State of New York - State Museum and                                                                                           Science Service — Albany

“The dress of men and boys consisted of a tunic-like shirt to which, in cold weather, separate sleeves might be attached by tying. This overlapped the breechcloth held in place by a belt, which also supported the leggings. A kilt, or short skirt-like garment, and moccasins completed the costume, except for the winter use of furred robes made of single bear, wolf or panther skins or compounded of the smaller pelts of otters, martens, raccoons, etc. In the case of the larger mammals, especially bear and wolf, the anterior skull portions including the jaws and teeth were sometimes left attached to the hide. When worn, they projected above the head of the wearer in an impressive manner described in early documents and confirmed by the evidence of modeled pipes and grave finds. Winter footgear is said to have included cornhusk and fur over shoes.

For women, and girls the breechcloth was omitted, the kilt became a longer dress, and their shorter leggings were tied above the knees. In summer, young children ran naked; men wore only the breechcloth and women the skirt. A small, round tightly fitting cap of deerskin, usually decorated with an eagle plume at the top and worn exclusively by males, was the only type of hat.

In early days men wore their hair roached, cut short and left standing up in a sort of cockscomb along the middle of the head. One or both sides might be completely shaved or a braided lock might be worn on side or back of head. Women either allowed their hair to hang loosely or in tied bunches down their backs. As a vermin repellant, both sexes greased head and body with animal fats, which quickly turned rancid. Young men, especially, painted their faces and even tattooing of face and body was practiced.”

LEAGUE OF THE IROQUOIS           Henry Morgan
Corinth Books New York, NY 1962

“The moccasin is made of one piece of deer-skin. It is seamed up at the heel, and also in front, above the foot, leaving the bottom of the moccasin without a seam. In front the deer-skin is gathered, in place of being crimped; over this part porcupine quills or beads are worked, in various patterns. The plain moccasin rises several inches above the ankle, and is fastened with deer strings; but usually this part is turned down, so as to expose a part of the instep, and is ornamented with beadwork.”

Additional Resources:

• Physical Clothing Items: Photographs of the physical pieces of clothing included in the trunk.
  
• Math Activity- "No Pockets"

 

Courtesy of the Warren County Historical Society