by Janice Eakle

Created on: June 23, 2008   Last Updated: January 01, 2012

The Native American art by the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida dates back to the early 1900's. Their artwork is still being created today, and is available for purchase.

Their art isunique, and has become very collectable. Much time is put into each creation, and each item is completed to perfection. Most of their creations were and still are hand crafted.

The Miccosukee tribe of Florida artwork is very catching to the eye. They have been making and wearing their own clothing since the 1900's . Over the decades they have created many beautiful and unique patchwork designs. Patchwork is a great way for the Native Americans to express themselves and identify with their heritage.

A highpoint of the clothing dates back to the 1930's and 1940's. The women made their own skirts, as well as shirts for the men. Each article of clothing had a total of five rows of patchwork designs. Many colors were often used to create one single clothing item.

The smaller designs were much more difficult to sew, and oftenonly two colors were used. Ric rac braid is a popular item used within a lot of their clothing items and designs.

The women of the tribe had a very distinguished, unique look. Their hair was styled to perfection, and they often wore many necklaces that they had created themselves.

In the 1960's era, the women made clothing to sell to earn extra money for their tribe. They created new designs, using rectangles and square shaped fabric.

At that time clothing was at the top of the list, but they also made palmetto-husk dolls, dressed in patchwork clothing. The dolls are still common today - purchased by tourists, artists, and collectors.

The dolls are made from palmetto fiber, the "husk" of the palmetto. The reddish brown color is the most appropriate to duplicate the Indians' skin color. Most of the dolls are made in the form of a woman, with a handcrafted skirt, cape, and hair. Many rows of ric rac are sewn to the clothing to create the same style that the Miccosukees wore.

A great place to see and purchase many unique items is at the annual arts festival in Florida. It is open to the public from December 26 untilJanuary 1. One is able to purchase hand made items such as clothing, bags, blankets, drums, dolls, toys, jewelry, spoons, bowls, food and more. Many items make great souvenirs. Arts, crafts and food from different tribes are available for purchase.

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