Ojibwe Beadwork

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Ojibwe beaded velvet dance apron.

This Minnesota Ojibwe man’s dance apron was created in 1893 for the World’s Columbian Exhibition in Chicago. The highly ornate and bilaterally symmetrical beaded florals on a dark background are classic Anishinaabe style. Ojibwe beadwork frequently includes a combination of both identifiable and fantasy plants. Contemporary Ojibwe beadworkers are challenged to find their own definitive style while working within the tradition.