I don't know about that possible correlation. The otters, often with mirrors were also worn up north, but to my knowledge, not hanging down full length, as the southern style. In Oklahoma, the older guys with whom I started fancy dancing, all called the harnesses "galluses," which is an old fashioned word for suspenders. They were called galluses even though they didn't really hold anything up.
The Ho-Chunks still wear those otter harnesses with mirrors, they are snazzy, but with that and a turban and dragger it would be just too much otter for me.
Also there are some nice pics of Ho-Chunk fellas from the early 1900's with the harnesses on and ribbonwork/beaded bandoliers- real fancy like.
The Ho-Chunks still wear those otter harnesses with mirrors, they are snazzy, but with that and a turban and dragger it would be just too much otter for me.
Also there are some nice pics of Ho-Chunk fellas from the early 1900's with the harnesses on and ribbonwork/beaded bandoliers- real fancy like.
Jim Swallow, William Massey, Tom Thunder, George Eagle and Ben Thundercloud - HoChunk - 1881
I don't know about that possible correlation. The otters, often with mirrors were also worn up north, but to my knowledge, not hanging down full length, as the southern style. In Oklahoma, the older guys with whom I started fancy dancing, all called the harnesses "galluses," which is an old fashioned word for suspenders. They were called galluses even though they didn't really hold anything up.
Fish Walker and Charlie Parker - Omaha - 1922
"Be good, be kind, help each other."
"Respect the ground, respect the drum, respect each other."
--Abe Conklin, Ponca/Osage (1926-1995)
I acquired a Pawnee harness/belt, fancy dance set dating from WW II. It's base material was cotton cloth with a straight ribbon binding. The galluses did not hang below the belt; they were sewn to the top of the belt making it all one unit. Lots of the decoration was "spoked wheel conchos" applied with sequins and beads.
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