A Brief History
Ribbonwork is a craft that emerged in the late 1700s when Myaamia people traded with Americans for silk ribbon. Using the silk, Miami women were able to create intricate geometric patterns.
Although the materials and methods of making the patterns were new, elements of the patterns pre-dated ribbonwork and can be found on older painted hides, tattoos, quillwork, and weaving, among other examples. Myaamia people used the ribbonwork to adorn clothing for special occasions for both men and women, especially leggings, skirts and moccasins.
Traditionally, ribbonwork would have been taught to one another by family members. While this is still considered the best way to learn a skill, it is not realistic for a community as geographically dispersed as the Myaamia.
Read our most recent posts about Myaamia Ribbonwork.
Bringing Myaamia Art to the Classroom
Co-authored by Kristina Fox and Dr. Stephanie Danker Myaamia Ribbonwork is one of the best known examples of revitalized Myaamia artwork. Over the course of several years, a team of people researched examples of ribbonwork and created peepankišaapiikahkia eehkwaatamenki: Myaamia Ribbonwork. Along with the publication, workshops were held for the…
Keep readingwaawaahsinaakwahki ‘It Shimmers’
peepankišaapiikahkia eehkwaatamenki ‘Myaamia ribbonwork’ is an artform in which an artist layers, cuts, folds, and sews ribbons onto textiles to create intricate geometric patterns. The artform reached an initial peak of beauty and complexity in the mid-1800s, but by the early 1900s the practice of ribbonwork was in steep decline.…
Keep readingMahkoonsihkwa’s Experience with Myaamia Ribbonwork
My journey with Myaamia ribbonwork started the same way that it has for many Myaamia people, through a community workshop about six years ago. Prior to the workshop, I had very little knowledge about ribbonwork and no idea how to make it, but I was excited to learn about this…
Keep readingLearn More
If you are interested in learning more about the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and Myaamia people, please check out these resources!
Myaamia Ribbonwork
- Myaamia Ribbonwork Book Information
- Myaamia Ribbonwork Playlist on YouTube
- Peepankišaapiikahkia Eehkwaatamenki ‘Myaamia Ribbonwork’ Demonstration Video
- Myaamia Ribbonwork Exhibition at Miami University Art Museum Playlist on YouTube
- Miami University Art Museum’s Ribbonwork Exhibit Blog
Miami Tribe
- Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Website
- Myaamia Center Website
- Telling Our Story: A Living History of the Myaamia
- Aacimotaatiiyankwi: A Myaamia Community Blog
- Honoring Nations: Miami Tribe of Oklahoma video
- This video was featured in our 4th grade classroom lessons.
- Myaamia Center YouTube Channel
Myaamiaataweenki ‘Miami Language’
- Myaamia Online Dictionary
- This website was featured in our 4th grade classroom lessons.
- Myaamiaataweenki eekincikoonihkiinki eeyoonki aapisaataweenki: A Miami Language Digital Tool for Language Reclamation by Daryl Baldwin, David Costa, and Douglas Troy
Miami Tribe and Miami University Relationship
- Miami Tribe Relations Website
- Developing the Myaamia Heritage Logo Video
- This video was featured in our 4th grade classroom lessons.
Last update: March 30, 2021