The Bozeman courier. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1919-1954, 1926-05-28
Enter The Princess R12 %sns% Talents s 9t dsud rd:son Indians rs That cond

circle, and Over the shoulders it was
slashed to form two decorative
joints. Had this cape been trimmed
simply with fringe like the bottom of
the skirt, it would have been beauti-
full, but the Indian woman who made
it scOrned such simplicity and eXer-
cised her artistic instinct in its adOrn-
ment.
The cape was finished around the
bottom with a fringe, it is true, but
made Of four inch loops Of rather
large white beads, and from every
loop hung a tiny brass rattle, such
as are used in babies toys, that ting
led melodiOusly with every step of
the wearer. Above this fringe ex~
tended an inch-wide row of dark
blue beads, while still higher was
what would make a member Of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks green with envy-a row of
snOw-white elk teeth.
Then came an inch row, this time
of gold, instead of blue beads, and
above this another row of elk teeth,
and the row of gold beads followed
by elk teeth repeated a couple of
times. The effect of this decoration
was striking by day; under the glow
of electric lights it would have been
dazzling.
Beneath the dress leggings of scar
let cloth reached to the knees, and
were finished at the ankle with rib
bon stripes of blue, white and gold.
The tiny feet were encased in moe
casins likewise worked in a beaded
design.
Bracelets were about the slender
wrists, and a necklace of blue beads
completed the costume, if we ignore
the earrings.
It was this girl, who so arrayed, re-
presented the Blackfeet Nation at
the wOman's meeting held in Chicago
the seventeenth of last month. Few,
if any of us could be in attendance
there, and I was signally favored in
seeing her as she was about to leave
Browning, yet other MOntanans have
a right to know how this representa-
tive of our chief Indian tribe appear
ed on this notable occasion.
The foregoing, it may be thought
with reason, reads like a page from
a fashion magazine, yet there are
many costumes designed which might
be considered far richer than the one
worn by Irene GOss in Chicago. The
purpose of this description is to call
attention of the public to the innate
artistic ems of u Indians, which
is not recognized as it should be.
This dress was the product of an
Indian wOman's workmanship, unaid-
ed by instruction other than she
might have received from members OF
her tribe. Those white persons who
live near, or on Indian reservations
sometimes exploit this taIen fol-
their own benefit. The work of the
NavajOs is widely known, and com.
mands fancy prices. Here in Oul
own state we have equal or greater
artistic ability, almost going tt
waste.
have previously stated, in a form
er article, at the Rocky Boy Agency
and at others, efforts are being mad,
by instructors to turn this talent int.
profitable channels; but they do no
receive the encouragement they rich
ly deserve. Even al. our Indian curit
shops, many of the articles of India1
workmanship are imported from 9th
er states. The slogan, familiar to all
"Buy Montana Products" shOul
include Indian work.
With a growing demand, will in
evitably follow better products an
in greater variety. 1t is the pun
pose of Superintendent Campbell t
have competent teachers brought t
the Blackfeet Agency who, in cOnneC
ton with the Five-Year Program
> will aid the women in developin