Historically, people living in the Northeast Woodlands dressed in clothing made primarily of deer hide. They decorated the hides with porcupine quills, feathers, shells, and naturally sourced paint. After the arrival of Europeans, cloth began to replace hides as the main material for clothing, and glass beads replaced porcupine quills and shells. Native clothing also influenced European dress. Moccasins, for example, a Native American invention, have become a standard type of shoe or slipper for people all over the world.
Today, native people continue to make traditional clothing for special occasions and gatherings. Ceremonial clothing is called regalia. The act of creating and wearing regalia is highly personal and sacred. It celebrates cultural identity and individual expression, and connects the maker and the wearer to his or her past and present community.
This section showcases traditional clothing and regalia made by Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe cultures.
