Oklahoma
Great Plains – Kiowa

Hide, beads, metal
ca. Early-Mid 20th century
Height: 16.38in; Width: 4 in; Depth: 9.75 in
Other – Regalia

Southern Plains Beaded High-top Woman’s Moccasins of the Kiowa, in Oklahoma.  Each of these hard sole moccasins display two red beaded strips with multicolored geometric designs down the front seam with a double row of brass buttons as accents between the beaded strips.  Encircling the upper part of each moccasin is a wide row of beading with a beaded medallion on each of the vamps (top of the foot).  Leather tie strings are used to secure these high-top woman’s moccasin for wearing.

Native American moccasins were designed as protective footwear for their specific environment. Hard-sole moccasins, usually made from two or more pieces of hide, are often associated with the western plains and deserts areas. The hard sole of shaped rawhide and fitted leather upper required more tailoring than other moccasin varieties. Hard-soled moccasins were important to protect feet from harsh cactus or prairie-grass covered ground, and sharp rocks not worn down by water. Soft-soled moccasins, often constructed from a single piece of leather were common in the Eastern Forests.  

Resource: http://www.nativetech.org/clothing/moccasin/moctext.html