Soft soled, beautifully adorned, natural, empowering. Moccasins are the connection between your feet and the earth. As such, they hold a place of special honour. Handmade moccasins, lovingly crafted deserve an even greater honour.
There are so many styles of moccasins than you will likely ever see, unless of course you teach moccasin making or do some research. The internet is quite an amazing thing isn’t it...
Most of what you see online, available for purchase, some from a company called Manitobah Mukluks. This is a Metis company that sells beautiful moccasins with very basic beading. Much of what you see in their catalogue are indeed a Metis style moccasin...though the artwork you see on them is not quite what you would have seen on traditional Metis moccasins. I thought it would be lovely to introduce you to some beautiful moccasins online (and to their creators) so that you have an idea of what type of moccasins we explore in the classes I teach.
First...some eye candy...
https://www.manitobah.ca/products/metis-moccasin
The first picture is from Manitobah Mukluks. They are the classic low tops with fur trim. The bottoms have rubber crepe (important if you will be wearing them on concrete...concrete DESTROYS moccasins). One key difference with these is that the “welt” (you’ll learn what this means) folds over the joint between the “vamp” and the “sole”.
https://romancingthegenres.blogspot.com/2013/05/wearable-art-from-canadas-far-north.html
Here we have a more traditional version which belonged to Madelle Morgan and were made by a Dene woman close to Slave Lake with the welt covered with beading (you don't see it) and fully beaded vamps. Again, these are low tops.
http://www.thealgonquinway.ca/English/symbol-enlarge-e.php?sym=29&cat=&symcat=
These are high top moccasins. The ankle portion can be wrapped around the bottom of the leg and laced closed. These are rarely seen commercially. The vamp on these are embroidered...another well loved adornment of the Metis people.
http://firstpeoplesofcanada.com/fp_metis/fp_metis5.html
As beautiful as most moccasins are...there is nothing more beautiful than ceremonial moccasins. These moccasins are for special occasions such as a ceremonial rite, marriage, or burial.
These are a handmade version made by Metis Artist Lisa Shepherd. Her website is https://www.lisashepherd.ca/moccasins.html
She has stunning beadwork.
http://jumaka.com/moccasins/index.html
These woodland styled moccasins were made by artist, Judy Kavanaugh. Very tradtional and absolutely gorgeous.
In Metis style moccasins, the sole and foot/heel/ankle portion are all one. The vamp is the top piece, and the welt is a thin strip between the two which helps seal out the elements.
http://jumaka.com/moccasins/MakingMoccasins/MoccasinInstructions.htm
Once these pieces are assembled, liners are inserted and trim is added. Vamps are normally beaded ahead of time, however, it is possible to add a decorative vamp to an assembled moccasin when need be.
When learning to make moccasins, it is important to remember, skill develops over time and with practice. Expecting your first pair to look like what you see above would lead to great frustration. Know that once you make a single pair...you will have to skills to make more...and more...and more....and soon everyone you know has a pair!
Join us for a class or peruse YouTube for instructions on assembly and beading. Moccasins are a truly sustainable and empowering footwear to make. They are comfy and with rubber crepe can last for years.
May every step you take in your moccasins be blessed.
From my home fire to yours, hai hai.
