Northern Cheyenne leggings

[Quick Fire]

Which would have been more common in 1876 for a Northern Cheyenne brave, brain tan leggings or cloth leggings? Thanks in advance.

Quick Fire

[St. George]

The easiest answer is to say 'both'.

The brain-tanning process used was and old, tried and proven method and would be seen for many years to come, but those who 'made' the clothing - the women - 'really' liked the pieces of tent canvas and salvaged tent cloth they could get from the Army, because they could bead their designs onto the much lighter fabric, and once finished - 'then' they could attach it to the garment as an applique'.

It was both a time and effort-saving and finger-saving shortcut, much as the overnight acceptance of the steel sewing needles were., since it's a tedious business, beading onto buckskin.

In that leggings did take a beating, but were also durable, but cloth ones were by that period - were in a general use throughout the tribes, and it was high summer - I'd venture there was an equal mix of both, as well as bare legs.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Quick Fire]

That's what I thought St. George, but I wanted to know for sure and you all on this forum know way more than I do. Thank you for the reply, and it was good to see you at the gun show yesterday.

Quick Fire.

[St. George]

Good to see you, as well - it's been too long.

Good Luck with the project - for that purpose, and that one alone, I hope it's a long winter.

Vaya.

Scouts Out!