Wetaskiwin District Heritage Museum Centre & City of Wetaskiwin Archives

Beading has a long history in Indigenous culture, and some of the first “beads” were originally made from natural materials like shell, bone, pearl and stone. Many First Nations used beads for a variety of reasons: some were used as a currency, some recorded a story, and others were simply for decoration. Regardless of the purpose, beading is a very intricate art. It can be done using a loom, putting beads onto a string, or simply sewing patterns directly onto the material, with flower patterns and abstract designs being popular choices for some. Distinct styles of beading are passed down and continued through generations. This vest is made of deerskin with beaded flowers sewn on both the front and back. The beadwork adds an intricate, colorful accent to the tan deerskin! This vest is one of the many pieces of beadwork that we have on display at the museum. Check out the main floor of the Wetaskiwin and District Heritage Museum to see all the magnificent beading we have on display and learn more about local Indigenous history!