Lendendoek

Breechcloth; probably Yanktonai; 1860-1870 Wool, porcupine quills, sinew, metal, horsehair, pigments; 117,5 x 28,5 cm. RMV 710-9; Herman F.C. ten Kate collection; purchased from trader at Niagara Falls in 1882 Breechcloths were one of the most common clothing items worn by men on the Plains in historic times. Today, a modified version is worn for pow wows and other celebrations. Its construction is simple. A single long piece of fabric or Native (brain) tanned hide goes between the legs, up to the waist, and then ends hang down in front and back, held on the body with a belt around the hips. It is probable that Native people have used this item of clothing for many generations. Leggings, an item of clothing that is just the legs of pants, were attached to the same belt that held the breechcloth. In fact, breechcloths with leggings allow more freedom of movement than pants. When running, riding a horse, or walking, the combination of breechcloth and leggings gives the wearer more freedom of movement because the material of the two is separate. Plains Indian pictographic drawings that illustrate warriors often depict men wearing breechcloth and leggings. In some cases, the drawings