Hair Dress

The hairbow was worn by women in the Great Lakes Indian villages and had been used by Indian women as far away as the Apache villages of the Southwest. It appears as early as the 17th century among the Huron women of Canada and much evidence indicates that it is still being used by Indian women in the Great lakes right up through the removal period in the 1830’s and 1840’s.

Most hairbows were made from and hourglass shaped rawhide base covered with leather or cloth and decorated with silver or brass buttons or broches, Ribbon ties were attached and left hanging down at the back. A lot of women still wear them in their hair at traditional gatherings.

This particular hairbow was collected in 1910, but it is most likely older than that. It is 40 cm. long and 21 cm wide, ribbons that are attached are 4.5 cm long.

Source: Sheryl Hartman, Indian Clothing of the Great Lakes:1740-1840