FIRST NATION
BLACKFEET
Women of the World | | 13
Europe
BAVARIA
In the Alpine regions of central Europe,
you may find women dressed in
traditional Dirndl during a Volksfest, or
festival. The attire was originally worn by
Austrian peasants in the mid 19th century,
and soon became a favorite of the
wealthy landowners, spreading across
much of the Alps. Dirndl can be made
of any fabric from cotton to velvet; the
heavier fabric is the best choice for cold
Alpine winters.
North America
The people of the Blackfeet Nation are
part of one of the largest indigenous
groups in North America. As a nomadic
group, their territory consisted of the Great
Plains region along the border of Canada
and the United States. Buffalo were sacred
to the Blackfeet people as everything from
their clothing to their homes, called tipi’s
was made from buffalo hide. They are
also well known for their intricate quillwork,
where they would soften and dye
porcupine quills and embroider with them.
You can find quill-work in clothing, basket
weaving, and accessories.