Side-stitch Chokers?

[Historian]

I was hoping that someone out there would have some suggestions as to how to learn more about the side-stitch chokers you see on many Ponca and Osage men (Straight Dancers or Portraits) in old 1800s photos.

Since most of the side-stitch chokers are very thin, getting a good idea of what the design element is, proves very difficult. Besides, all the photos are in black and white anyway, so design color is another issue.

Lastly, I have had a difficult time finding any information on the construction techniques of a side stitch choker.

Anyone have any suggestions?

[BeadMan]

Some of my chokers

[BeadMan]

Another

[BeadMan]

Last one of mine.

Here are some historic examples in color:

http://www.powwows.com/galleries/showphoto.php?photo=3965&size=big&password=&sort=1&cat=500

[CHEROSAGE]

Hey there Beadman those are very nice chokers.

Thank you for letting us see these.

[WolfTears]

excellent work as always!

[Tara]

Beadman, Neat pictures! Diagonally woven collars of wampum are worn in the Northeast, it looks to be the same weaving technique. Here's one I made.



Historian, I dont think there are any instructions on the net for the technique, basically it's like fingerweaving with one end anchored, the other end free, you have two threads that go through each bead you string on diagonally across and you pull the sets of strings from the previous row inbetween the strings of the row you are putting on. Use the endwarp for each subsequent row (making it the weft) and leave it dangling on the opposite end of the row as a warp for the next row. Would be easier with a diagram, I have one on nativetech in the beadworking techniques, but my site is apparently down today.

Tara

[tcumonster]

I think there is a chapter in David Dean's book "Beading in the Native American Traditions" that discusses side stitch. The illistrations are very easy to understand and the text is well written. Hope this helps.

[BeadMan]

There was a discussion a long time ago in the beadwork forum about sidestitch. You might go there and spark up that flame again. Also try PM-ing BlackBear, she can find just about anything beadwork related on the web.

Tara, great pic!

[ingrambead]

Hi Historian,

I was just browsing around and found this thread. Have you gotten anywhere with the chokers? I did a couple of artcles in magazines on the diagonal weave technique (another name for sidestitch). They were in Threads Magazine June July 1994 and Beadwork, june july 2001. Its an easy technique once you get going and its not done with needles.

Ingrambead

[C_Rock77]

Bead Man's a whiz at sidestitch.. I've never seen anyone pick up beading techniques as quickly or as well as that kid! I've also never even HEARD of anyone being able to side-stitch as fast as him.

How's that "secret" method working out, Adam?

[powwow]

Hey Adam,

Long time, no talk. I hear you're doing pretty well for yourself out there in CA. DC's been treating me well. May be moving back to Oklahoma next Fall...we'll see about that. I'll keep you posted.

Sorry I haven't been around in a while guys....Life took me on a detour for a while, but I'm back on the road again.

[powwow]

WOW! I don't post much for two or three years and I go down to zero experience! That's rough man. :Mad

:)

[powwow]

Thanks. It's been a while, I know. I actually came back onto the board to find out some info on a local powwow and decided to see what was going on.

The straight dancing board sure has slowed down since I was last active.

Is Brian still around? I haven't talked to him in a while. I should give him a call.

Have you made it out to Redhook yet? I missed it last year due to my sister getting married on the same day. I'll be there this June, though.

Later!

[Historian]

What other Oklahoma tribes, besides Ponca and Osage, wore or wear "side-stitch" chokers?