Sam Waller Museum

306 Fischer Ave, The Pas, MB R9A 1K4
samwallermuseum.ca
Garters

Accession #: PH1.75a & b
Ininiwak/Métis; from northern Lake Winnipeg or God's Lake Narrows

c. 1880s
Glass seed beads, velveteen, wool yarn, cotton lining

These garters would be attached around the legs, leaving the colourful tassels free to swing as you walked. It’s difficult to imagine an outfit that would live up to these accents. 
Cuffs

Accession #: PH1.74a & b
Ininiwak/Métis; from northern Lake Winnipeg or God's Lake Narrows

c. 1880
Wool stroud, glass seed beads, cotton tape, silk ribbon

These cuffs match the garters above.
Variations of this incredibly dense, powerful style of floral beadwork is shared by the diverse communities around Lake Winnipeg. The yellow bells can be found in work from Norway House, while the opalescent stems are a common feature in work from God's Lake Narrows in north-eastern Manitoba.
Sewing Kit​

Accession #: PH1.27
Ininiwak/Métis; York Factory region

1890-1910
Smoked moosehide, glass seed beads, cotton twill

This sewing kit has a contemporary design, with references to old-style florals. It was collected by Archdeacon Richard Faries in York Factory. Faries was born in Moose Factory, Ontario to Mushkegowuk & settler parents. He compiled a Cree dictionary to assist with missionary work, and was later director of the Indian Day School in York Factory from 1900-1950.
Doily

Accession #: PH1.33
Ininiwak/Métis; York Factory

1900-1920
Velvet, glass seed beads, cotton thread

This doily was also collected by Archdeacon Faries. His history raises serious questions about the origin of these pieces. They may have been made by students at the York Factory Day School.
Tobacco Bag

Accession #: PH84.95.1
nehîyawak/Métis; Saskatchewan or Alberta

c. 1880-1890 
Smoked moosehide, glass seed beads
Wall Pocket

Accession #: PH5.3
Mushkegowuk/Métis;  Moose Factory region

1923-1930
Smoked moose hide, silk embroidery floss, ribbon
Tie Rack
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Accession #: PH1.36
Made by Mrs. McGillivary

1910-1930 
Glass seed beads, cotton thread, goat skin

The word “ties” is written on this piece in Cree syllabics.
Bonnet

Accession #: PH10.1981
Ininiwak; Opaskwayak or The Pas region

c. 1880-1900
Smoked moosehide, black wool stroud, glass seed beads

This unusual bonnet has had more modern beadwork added into the interior, along the cheeks.
Moccasins

Accession #: PH1.53a 
Mushkegowuk/Métis;  Moose Factory region

c. 1905
Smoked moose hide, bleached caribou hide, silk embroidery floss, thread

There are strong similarities between work from the James Bay/Moose Factory region and Métis traditions here in Manitoba. Many early HBC traders arrived at Red River with wives they had met at older posts along James Bay. Their style would influence local clothing and the development of the Métis aesthetic in our province.
Moccasins

Accession #: PH1.58a
Mushkegowuk/Métis; Rupert House/Wasaganish region

c. 1906
Commercially tanned hide, silk embroidery floss, thread

These moccasins are extremely unusual, as they're made using very traditional techniques on commercially tanned leather. It must have been incredibly difficult to execute this fine gathering and embroidery on a hard industrial hide, and their beauty speaks to impressive skill (not to mention strong hands!) from their maker.
Belt​

Accession #: PH1.29
Mushkegowuk;  James Bay region

c. 1906-1933
Glass seed beads, thread
Miniature Tikinagan

Accession #: PH2.7
Ininiwak/Métis; Hudson’s Bay or Lake Winnipeg region

c. 1880
Wood, velvet, glass seed beads, leather, cotton fabric, twine

Traditionally, tikinagans and their moss bags were lovingly decorated and used to carry generations of babies. Smaller versions like this were often made for dolls, or for sale as decoration. No matter its use, this piece was produced by an artist with impressive skills.
Shot Pouch

Accession #: PH1.70a
Anishinaabe/Métis; Red River diaspora or Lake Winnipeg region

1880-1900
Velvet, glass seed beads, wood, horn, metal, leather

Museum records describe this set as “old Saulteaux…work from Lake Winnipeg”, but they could also belong to the Red River tradition. 
Powder Horn with Bandolier

Accession #: PH1.70b
Anishinaabe/Métis; Red River diaspora or Lake Winnipeg region

1880-1900
Velvet, glass seed beads, wood, horn, metal, leather

In the earlier 1800s, items like this were essential equipment for hunters using black powder rifles. Technology had advanced by the 1880s and these were likely made as symbolic or decorative pieces, rather than functional hunting gear.