moccasins

    Article

    A type of shoe or boot traditionally worn by Native American peoples. Moccasins were hand-made, using leather made of deer, moose, elk, or bison skin, and could have either soft or hard soles. Designs varied from group to group and depended on climate, terrain, and the moccasins' purpose and usage. Decorations such as embroidery, beads, fringes, or buttons added to the distinctive style of the moccasins.

    In contemporary U.S. culture, moccasins can also refer to a style of shoe adapted from the original indigenous boots. Modern moccasins are a type of slip-on shoe that are casual and comfortable.

    Photo Credit

     
    "Navajo moccasins, circa 1900-1933, with German silver buttons, Bata Sho Museum, Toronto, Ontario" by Daderot is licensed under Public Domain.

    Term Type
    References

     
    Keoke, Emory Dean, and Porterfield, Kay Marie.
         2001   Moccasins. Encyclopedia of American Indian Contributions to the World. New York:
             Facts On File. American Indian History Online.
             http://online.infobase.com/HRC/Search/Details/186504?q=moccasins, accessed
             February 25, 2015.