Vamps
Name/Title
VampsEntry/Object ID
1989.10.6a-bDescription
Two beaded, black velveteen tabs or vamps. The edge of the vamps are bordered by white beads. The central motif features a red and clear quatrefoil design with a blue leaf towards the narrow end (toe) of the vamp. The leaf emerges from a spray of blue and white beads and is surrounded by arms of both yellow and white beads.Use
Vamps are decorative panels affixed to the top of a pair of moccasins.Context
The distinctive quatrefoil design found on these vamps is indicative of Abenaki beadwork. These particular pieces came into the Vermont Historical collection as part of a group of items from the Wilbur family. The envelope containing the vamps, along with cuffs 1989.10.7a-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 vamps, 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