The Indigenous Look: attire in 18th century Massachusetts

As part of our Fresh Goods exhibition lecture series, Aquinnah Wampanoag artist and designer Elizabeth James-Perry will discuss the period from 1750 -1900 in terms of Indigenous Massachusetts attire and jewelry.

While preferences often continued for use of soft smoked deerskin, elk and textured moose for clothing and sturdy footwear, along with a variety of furs and indigenous textiles, decreasing availability of some materials – especially in the 18th century – led to interesting combinations and substitutions of Native and Euro-American styles and materials.

Museum members free, Non-members $5. Register online, or call (978)369-9763, x216.

Elizabeth James-Perry is a citizen of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head-Aquinnah, whose community is located near the richly colored clay cliffs of Noepe (Martha’s Vineyard). Elizabeth is a contemporary and traditional artist taught by family members including the late Helen Attaquin and Nanepashemut, and through her own museum research here and abroad. Elizabeth creates Eastern Woodlands clothing and accessories directly informed by her seventeenth and eighteenth century Wampanoag ancestors, and will bring examples of her work, which has been exhibited nationally.