Barb

Could someone please help me. I started dancing Southern cloth a couple of years ago and am slowly trying to put together the proper pieces. I need to know if Iroquois Ladies wear breastplates, if so what should it look like. I am designing a T-dress for this year is there anything else I should know? I already have some items shawl, fan, beaded purse, belt and moccasins. Although I am still looking for a pair of hightops. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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ClothDancer02

Creewoman05

While I am not Iroquois, I do wear a southern style breastplate with my cloth regalia. Some do, some don't. Its pretty much a matter of personal preference. Although it is made of real bone, it gets heavy, so I dont wear the breastplate that much any more.

Barb

Morning Creewomen thanks for your note. Do you ever dance out here in Alberta?

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ClothDancer02

**Summer_June**

I'm Iroquois, I dance Northern Cloth and I wear a breastplate.

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Czechy

Just want to make sure I understand what you are wanting to do.... You want to dance Southern Cloth but with some Iroquois accessories, yes?? Is there more than one nation you are wishing to include in your outfit?

As for breastplates, you can wear one if you choose to dress in mostly Southern Plains style. In that case, use the short double-sided breastplate that hangs down in both front and back rather than the Northern style which is longer and only hangs in front. The breastplate is an item common to the Plains area groups and is not traditionally worn by Iroquois ladies.

The Iroquois nations have distinctive and beautiful traditional cloth outfits - a wool wrap skirt and a long tunic or overblouse. Their beadwork is unique, a raised floral style usually done on a velvet background. The Photo Gallery has some examples of Iroquois dancers in the Smoke Dance section. There you may find other ideas to include in your outfit.

Barb

Thanks for your reply. You do understand, I wanted to know if the breastplated was a traditional part of the Iroquois regalia. In my research I have found that the T-dress was the formal wear for the ladies at one time. I also have Micmac in the mix and am still researching that. I have been wearing a clothe dress with ribbons since I started dancing a couple of years ago. I would like to get more specific now. Thanks again.

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ClothDancer02

bvr_wmn

I am seneca. No Haudenosaunee women do not wear breast plates.

Tuscaroras wore t-dress. Haudenosaunee women have always worn 2 separate....top and skirt.

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