These colourful designs and creations are distinctive of M\u00e9tis art. The designs are typically compositions of European flowers and\u00a0are very different from those of other Aboriginal groups.<\/p>\n

M\u00e9tis Beadwork<\/span><\/p>\n

Through the mission schools that the M\u00e9tis attended they came in contact with the Grey Nuns from Europe. The Grey Nuns carried with them the floral silk embroidery traditions from France. These techniques and patterns impressed the M\u00e9tis who then incorporated them into traditional Aboriginal porcupine quill work designs. The results were the foundation of the brilliant, colourful, delicate, symmetrical floral M\u00e9tis beadwork creations.<\/p>\n

Using seed beads, silk and llama threads obtained through the fur trade, the M\u00e9tis generated the artwork on their clothing that led them to be known as the \u201cFlower Beadwork People\u201d. These creations were so impressive that, as trade goods, these articles were distributed throughout both North America and Europe.<\/p>\n

M\u00e9tis floral beadwork was typically placed against a black or dark blue cloth background, which pronounced its effects. Often the cloth was trimmed with silk ribbons. This specialized artwork can be seen on jackets, bags, leggings, gloves and vests.<\/p>\n

In the Red River Valley, the M\u00e9tis specialized in creating artistic horse gear and western wear garments, including items like coats, pouches, and moccasins. Following stereotypes, Caucasian travelers were interested in purchasing art from \u201creal Indians\u201d, so M\u00e9tis sold their works to Indians, who then resold them to Whites. This reason occasioned the \u201cmisidentification\u201d of M\u00e9tis art referred to earlier. Another distinctive site of M\u00e9tis artwork was on the clothing, bags and pouches used by M\u00e9tis men and women. Often the floral beadwork designs on these objects contained family-specific patterns. When this wonderful artwork was placed on the simple black cloth of construction, the results were very impressive.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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