A Pair of Kiowa Child’s Beaded Hide Moccasins. Southern Plains, circa 1890.

A beautifully ornamented pair of child’s moccasins, their forefeet closely covered with deep blue glass beads and animated by paired, curving motifs in pink, white, green, and yellow. The principal designs descend from the insteps in elongated, leaflike forms, their yellow centers enclosed by green beadwork and broad pink-and-white outlines. Three small, multicolored beaded tabs extend across each instep beneath a narrow geometric band.

White-ground borders follow the sole line, incorporating red-outlined rectangular devices and alternating blue and green details. Above the beadwork, substantial hide cuffs, plain tongues, and narrow ties retain the natural color and texture of the material. Long strips of hide fringe extend from the heels, while the separately attached soles remain undecorated. The deep blue ground gives unusual prominence to the lighter curvilinear ornament, its closely spaced rows following the rounded contours of the toes.

The pair relates closely to a distinctive Kiowa fashion documented in the late nineteenth century. 

A particularly appealing child’s pair, distinguished by its saturated blue ground, delicate pink ornament, and abundant heel fringe.