Belt c. 20th century

This woven belt, made of dyed wool, and now in the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, speaks volumes about the social conditions that shape artistic production. Belts like these were widely produced in indigenous communities across North America, with specific patterns, colors, and weaving techniques often signifying tribal affiliation and cultural identity. The geometric patterns, rendered in red and white, aren't just decorative. They're visual codes carrying cultural narratives, and historical associations unique to their makers. Without knowing which community produced it, it is hard to say more. Consider how geography, beliefs, social structures, and historical events might have influenced the belt's design and function. Perhaps closer examination of similar belts located in ethnographic and museum archives, might reveal more about the circumstances of its creation. By researching its origins, we can better understand its role within a specific social and cultural context.