Cuffs
Name/Title
CuffsEntry/Object ID
1989.10.7a-bDescription
Pair of beaded cuffs, probably from moccasins. The black velveteen fabric is decorated with white, yellow blue, and green beads. The motif features two zig-zag bands, blue on the outer and yellow on inner. Both bands are bordered with white beads. In each corner there is a white flower with green outer leaves or petals. There is evidence of an overcast stitch done in tan around the outside edge. Evidence of paper sandwiched between the two layers of velveteen can be seen on the reverse.Use
These cuffs probably lined the foot opening of a pair of moccasins, most likely from the same moccasins as 1989.10.6a-b (vamps).Context
These particular pieces came into the Vermont Historical collection as part of a group of items from the Wilbur family. The envelope containing the cuffs, along with vamps 1989.6a-b, had the inscription, "James Wilbur's Beadwork." For a number of years, James Wilbur was listed as the maker with an origin date of 1840. Upon further research and close analysis of the beadwork, it's most likely these date from the 1820s and the inscription on the envelope is that of ownership as opposed to manufacture. The Wilbur family was one of the early settler families in Waterville. 19th century Waterville written histories as well as recorded oral histories indicate there was a sizeable Abenaki village along the shores of the North Branch of the Lamoille River (called the Kelley River at the time). Wilbur's father-in-law, Isaac Merrick, is known to have partnered with Abenaki in his cross-boarder trade/smuggling in the 1810s and 1820s. A beautiful, Abenaki-produced, compass case belonging to Isaac Merrick is also part of this larger family gift. For more information on this relationship, please see object 1989.10.3. It's highly likely that these cuffs, and the now-missing moccasins, were produced in the local Abenaki community and gifted or traded to the extended Wilbur family.Acquisition
Accession
1989.10Source or Donor
Bradley, RosaleaAcquisition Method
GiftMade/Created
Date made
1841 - 1903Ethnography
Culture/Tribe
Abenaki
Native American