The Flower beadwork people: factors contributing to the emergence of a distinctive Métis culture & artistic style at Red River from 1844-1869
Date
1995
Authors
Blady, Sharon Anne
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Abstract
The Red River Metis are a distinct and often misunderstood population in nineteenth century Canadian history. They are also the producers of a rich art style in the medium of beadwork. However, despite reference to their influence on the art of other Amerindian populations little is said about the factors which influenced their own unique style. The purpose of my research was two-fold: to establish the historical context which shaped their culture and art and to examine works ·made by Metis women with connections to the Red River Settlement to isolate distinctive traits. Initially, I established the definition of Metis in the temporal and geographic context of the Red River Settlement from 1844 to 1869. As a socio-cultural or ethnographic identifier, Metis is not solely defined by genealogy, which is further supported by research into the areas of ethnohistory, fur trade history including social history and gender roles. However, the dominant characteristics of the population were that they spoke French, were Catholics and rarely occupied officer positions within the Hudson's Bay Company. They were subject to racial, religious and social discrimination and yet remained a distinct, proud and independent population within the Red River community. Their independence is reflected in their art. In examining their possible influences, three stand out: Cree and Ojibwa populations of the Woodlands, from whom they are descended and French embroidery patternbooks of the Grey Nuns. In examining traits and influences of these sources in comparison to pieces held in Le Musee de St-Boniface certain distinct traits are identifiable. These pieces from the Lagimodiere Nault-Carriere and Riel families are further compared to other works identified as Metis held in various North American museum collections. This comparative, stylistic and attribute analysis isolates the following traits: use of floral elements derived or influenced by Cree, Ojibwa or patternbook sources, manipulation of these elements into complex motifs and palettes and use of this new hybrid vocabulary of motifs in a complex manner not seen in any of the influencing sources. The composition of design elements reflects conscious selection, manipulation of elements and palettes, most often in a balanced, curvalinear and non-symmetrical organization. The strength, independence and complexity of these designs is seen as a physical and artistic representation of the Metis culture at Red River in view of the established historical background.