Museum Collections Up Close : MNHS.ORG » Dakota Indians

Dakota Gloves

Jason Onerheim — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 05:01:34 +0000

A pair of Santee Dakota gauntlet style gloves (stout gloves with long loose wrists) with floral quillwork on the cuffs. These are bordered by leather fringe and ribbons. Made in the 1880’s.

For more information or to purchase a photograph of this item, view these gloves in our collections database.

Dakota Tobacco Pouch

Jason Onerheim — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 06:01:41 +0000

A Dakota tobacco pouch and pipe stem bag. Both are constructed of buckskin and decorated with beadwork panels and fringed edges. Porcupine quill-wrapped tassels terminating in tinkler cones with horsehair tufts are attached to the mouth of the tobacco pouch; the fringe attached to its bottom is also quill-wrapped. Circa 1900.

For more information or to purchase a photograph of this item, view this bag in our collections database.

Dakota Bag

Jason Onerheim — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 05:01:36 +0000

A Dakota/Lakota carrying or storage bag made of tanned leather, circa 1900. A beadwork panel on the front of the bag features geometric designs in shades of yellow, blue, green and red on a white background. Similar panels decorate the sides and top flap of the bag, as do pairs of tinkler cones terminating in tufts of dyed-red horsehair.

For more information or to purchase a photograph of this item, view this bag in our collections database.

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Dakota Beaded Bag

Jason Onerheim — Mon, 25 May 2015 05:01:26 +0000

A Dakota bag decorated with geometric beadwork. Given to Frances Densmore from Chief Red Fox of the Standing Rock Reservation, North Dakota in the 1910s.

For more information or to purchase a photograph of this item, view this bag in our collections database.

Sleeping Rabbit

Jason Onerheim — Mon, 18 May 2015 05:01:01 +0000

A tintype photograph of Sleeping Rabbit and his family made in 1880.

For more information or to purchase a photograph of this item, view this tintype in our collections database.

Drying Meat

Jason Onerheim — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 06:01:09 +0000

A stereoview photograph of three Dakota Indians drying meat. Taken in the 1870s.

For more information or to purchase a photograph of this item, view this photograph in our collections database.

Dakota Moccasins

Jason Onerheim — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 06:01:34 +0000

A pair of beaded Dakota moccasins with split tongues ending in tinkle cones. Made sometime between 1870 and 1920.

For more information or to purchase a photograph of this item, view these moccasins in our collections database.

Gun Case

Jason Onerheim — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 05:01:13 +0000

A beaded Dakota hide gun case has a geometric pattern at the top with fringe below. The body of the case depicts two antlered animals. The bottom is fringed with metal tinkles interspersed. The case bears a white sticker with “McBrien” written on it. The case was collected by Colonel John G. Clark of the 50th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment at Fort Rice in Dakota Territory during the US-Dakota War, circa 1865-6.

For more information or to purchase a photograph of this item, view this case in our collections database.

Teton Dakota Vest

Jason Onerheim — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 05:01:11 +0000

A lane-stitched beaded leather Teton Dakota vest, circa 1914.

For more information or to purchase a photograph of this item, view this vest in our collections database.

Beaded drawstring bag

Jason Onerheim — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 14:30:36 +0000

A large beaded leather drawstring bag with six metal ornaments and blue wool yarn. The bag is either Cheyenne or Dakota (probably Teton) and is from the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation, N.D. Circa 1900.

This bag can also be seen in person in our current Library Lobby display of Native American beadwork. It is open during regular Library hours.

For more information or to purchase a photograph of this item, view this bag in our collections database.

Dakota Pouch

Jason Onerheim — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 15:30:55 +0000

Flat pouch beaded with a geometric pattern of red, white, light blue, dark blue, pink, gold, yellow and green beads lazy-stitched with sinew. Two United States flags are shown in beadwork at the top of one side. The bag was presented to the donor by Dakota of the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, in 1912.

For more information or to purchase a photograph of this item, view this bag in our collections database.

To see more examples of beadwork like this, visit the Library Lobby for the new exhibit on Native American beadwork. It is open regular Library hours.

Dakota Inkwell

Jason Onerheim — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 15:30:15 +0000

Ink bottle covered in bead work and glass stopper for bottle. Beadwork is done on cloth and then applied to the bottle. Rows of beading in green, gold, blue and red. Collected at the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation, South Dakota, circa 1900.

For details, view this inkwell in our collections database.

Dakota Beaded Moccasins

Jason Onerheim — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 14:30:23 +0000

Pair of sinew sewn leather moccasins with rawhide sole bound with black cotton cloth. Decorated with glass seed beads in geometric pattern. Predominant colors are red, white, yellow, green, and blues. Tongue comprised of 3 tabs with attached metal tinkler cones with remnants of blue feathers. Heel seam fringe and leather thong tie closure.

For details, view these moccasins in our collections database.

Learn More:

Oceti Ŝakowiŋ – The Seven Council Fires

Dakota beaded jacket

Jason Onerheim — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 14:30:22 +0000

Buckskin coat made by Dakota Indians and purchased by personnel of Camp Kamaji on Cass Lake, Minnesota in about 1910.

For details, view this jacket in our collections database.

Henry Whipple St. Clair

Lizzie Ehrenhalt — Thu, 02 May 2013 14:30:42 +0000

Henry Whipple St. Clair poses for a studio portrait circa 1885, when he was a 15 year-old student attending Shattuck School in Faribault, Minnesota. St. Clair, an Episcopal deacon of Dakota Indian heritage ordained by Bishop Henry Benjamin Whipple in 1899, served communities throughout Minnesota and South Dakota and was an army chaplain during World War II.

For more information about the St. Clair family, visit their biographical page at In Honor of the People: Exploring American Indian culture in the Bishop Whipple collections.

For details about the photograph of St. Clair, visit our online collections database.

Anniversary of Mankato executions

Lizzie Ehrenhalt — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 15:30:15 +0000

Today marks the 150th anniversary of the largest mass hanging in United States history, carried out in Mankato, Minnesota on December 26, 1862. On that day, 38 Dakota men were executed for their alleged participation in the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862.

This fall, Minneapolis’ All My Relations Gallery presented Ded Unk’unpi: We Are Here, an exhibition of artworks by contemporary Native American artists. Many of the artworks, like James Star Comes Out’s mixed media horse mask sculpture “1862 Sung Ite Ha” (above), comment on the execution of the 38, and on the grief, diaspora and exile of the Dakota people that followed. The artist writes in a statement included in the exhibition:

The horse is respected as it is sacred and empowers the Lakota/ Dakota with its connection with the Wakinyan Oyate (which is important in Lakota/ Dakota belief). In that respect, the sacredness and utilization of the horse is vital in Lakota/ Dakota culture, as representation of honor, pride and value that are used for such ceremonies like a giveaway, honoring, or memorial of a loved one. In past, our ancestors expressed honor and pride by decorating a horse in their finest and given away as a gesture of generosity in honor of loved ones.

With this in mind, I created this piece with the date “1862” in honor and memorial of the 38 Dakota that were hanged in 1862. I have utlized floral designs that represent the Dakota Oyate. Overall, this art piece is a representation of the values and way of life of the Dakota, which defines who we are as a people. But most of all, honoring and remembering what the 38 Dakota went through so our people can live and exist.

Avis Charley’s drawing “For Every Great Man, There is a Great Woman” (above) was also featured in Ded Unk’unpi. In her artist’s statement, Charley writes:

The Dakota War killed many warriors and chiefs. Behind every great man killed was a great woman. During this tragic period in history, the women had to stay strong while ugliness was rampant in their everyday lives from the downhill battle of losing their land and livelihood.

The women represent different generations and the virtues of our Dakota values. These values are courage, honesty, perseverance, and generosity and the message will be about healing, moving forward, and empowering ourselves as Dakota women despite the trauma in our history.

These pieces and more are on exhibit at the Hill House Gallery until January 13, 2013.

Learn more:

Buckskin trousers

Lizzie Ehrenhalt — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 14:30:20 +0000

Buckskin trousers made in a style common to Dakota Indians with beadwork embroidery and outer leg seams trimmed with fringe. Made in the late nineteenth century (between 1877 and 1899) by a Mrs. Galpin of Fort Yates, North Dakota.

For details, view the trousers in our online collections catalog.

To explore more examples of Dakota material culture, visit Oceti Ŝakowiŋ – The Seven Council Fires.

Dakota bow

Lizzie Ehrenhalt — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 14:30:28 +0000

Wooden bow used in the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. The bow was acquired by members of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s St. Paul Chapter.

150 years ago today, on August 17, 1862, a group of Dakota men killed five white settlers near Acton, Minnesota. In the council that followed, Chief Little Crow reluctantly agreed to lead his people in what would become the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862.

For details, view the bow in our online collections database.

Learn more:

Dakota doll

Lizzie Ehrenhalt — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:30:33 +0000

Doll with accompanying cradleboard and infant made by Dakota Indians circa 1880. The adult doll has a sawdust-stuffed cotton body and painted facial features. She wears a fringed buckskin dress with a beaded bodice and hem. Hair is attached to the head; beaded hide moccasins are sewn to the feet. The cradleboard and the infant doll it holds are both trimmed with beadwork and red stroud cloth.

For details, view the doll in our online collections database.

To view more examples of Dakota material culture, visit Ochethi Šakowiŋ – The Seven Council Fires.

Dakota quillwork garter

Lizzie Ehrenhalt — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 14:39:04 +0000

Leather garter or knee band made by Dakota Indians in Mandan, North Dakota in 1888. The garter has hide thong ties and dyed quillwork decorations. Its lower edge has rawhide thong fringe wrapped with dyed quillwork; the end of each strand terminates in a metal cone with dyed eagle feathers projecting from the larger end.

For details, view the garter in our online collections database.

To view more examples of Dakota material culture, visit Ochethi Šakowiŋ – The Seven Council Fires.

Model of a Dakota village

Lizzie Ehrenhalt — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Model of a Dakota village in miniature made in 1947 by George Crooks (Wakanozanzan or Holy Light) and Alice T. Boyd Crooks (Wicanhpitowin or Blue Star Woman) at the Redwood Indian Agency village in Minnesota. The model consists of eight human figures, eleven tipis and one travois.

For details, view the model in our online collections database.

Dakota woman’s hide and wool dress

Lizzie Ehrenhalt — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 14:30:03 +0000

Dakota woman’s dress collected by Colonel John G. Clark while Clark was stationed at Fort Rice, Dakota Territory (now North Dakota), in the 1860s. The combination hide and wool dress has fringed cape sleeves and an inverted U-shape hem with fringe in the center back and front. The neckline is bound with red wool interwoven with a hide strap. Two rows of pink, green, black and yellow beads are sewn from the shoulder to the end of the sleeve and around the neck and yoke. Small tufts of red wool are sewn around the skirt at the hipline. The sides have hide insets with bead and wool trim. Small brass buttons are tied to some of the skirt fringe.

For details, view the dress in our online collections database.

To view more examples of Dakota material culture, visit Ocethi Šakowiŋ – The Seven Council Fires.

Dakota man’s hide shirt

Lizzie Ehrenhalt — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:30:32 +0000

Dakota man’s painted hide shirt overlaid with beaded shoulder bands, sleeve bands, and triangular neckline bibs, all edged with white ermine pelts and both natural and dyed horsehair. The lower shirt edge features a row of metal sequins and attached painted leather fringe. The sleeves have hook and eye closures at each side. Made in the 1870s.

For details, view the shirt in our online collections database.

To view more examples of Dakota material culture, visit Ochethi Šakowiŋ – The Seven Council Fires.

Dakota woman’s jingle dress

Lizzie Ehrenhalt — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:30:38 +0000

Dakota woman’s jingle dress made by Lucy Pair in 1905. The dress consists of three pieces: a layered, dyed cotton muslin blouse; a layered, dyed cotton muslin skirt; and a cotton belt, all decorated with tin jingle cones made from tobacco cans. This type of dress was traditionally worn for ceremonial healing purposes and, more recently, at pow-wows. The dress was donated by a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution from Wheaton, Minnesota.

For details, view the dress and belt in our online collections database.

Hairpipe beaded choker necklace

Lizzie Ehrenhalt — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:30:36 +0000

Dakota or Blackfeet choker necklace made of tubular (hairpipe) beads, leather spacers, and braided yarn. The beads are strung onto an off-white length of yarn knotted and braided at either end to form a tie closure. Created in 1920.

For details, view the necklace in our online collections database.

Dakota hunter’s bag

Lizzie Ehrenhalt — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:30:29 +0000

Dakota hunter’s bag and related components dating to the 1880s. The bag is of hand-sewn leather and made from a saddle or other object. The powder horn is of the common form and has a turned spout with a leather stopper and a flat wood disc in the wide end secured with copper nails. The powder horn is suspended on leather thongs. The measure is the tip portion of another horn and has a projection on one side of the lip to facilitate pouring; it is attached with a brass chain. The vent pick is a piece of nickel-plated iron wire attached to the strap with a short piece of iron chain. Made by George Crow and used by Joshua Crow.

For more details, view the bag in our online collections database.

Carved bone hide scraper

Lizzie Ehrenhalt — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:30:01 +0000

Tool for scraping animal hide carved out of bone and used by Dakota Indians. The metal scraping edge is tied to the bone handle with leather thongs; the handle itself is incised with decorative markings. The tool was collected by Jacob C. Pope, Minnesota State Representative 1899-1903. Creation date unknown, but probably 19th century.

For more details, view the scraper in our online collections catalog.

Lace-making pillow

Lizzie Ehrenhalt — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:56:56 +0000

Lace-making roller pillow with lace in progress on the roller and twenty bobbins supplying thread. Twenty threads attached to the bobbins are crossed and twisted over each other according to the pattern laid out on the pillowed roller to make a continuous lace. Pins keep the thread in place on the roller while work is in progress. Used by Dakota or Ojibwe Indians; date unknown.

For more details, view the pillow in our online catalog.

Beaded pincushion

Lizzie Ehrenhalt — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:30:11 +0000

Beaded velvet pincushion with a glazed cotton backing. The pincushion has scalloped edges and features two beaded birds. The pincushion is of Iroquois Indian origin but was collected by Dakota Indians living in Minnesota’s Prairie Island Reservation circa 1900.