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TRADITIONAL NEZ PERCE ART
The Nez Perce have used a variety of traditional geometric and floral patterns in decorations and beadwork, along with representations of birds and animals and decorations of natural materials such as shells and fur and elk teeth.

Thanks to the Nez Perce National Historical Park for most of the photos below.


traditional designs slide show

This slide show may take a little while to load, especially if you have a slow connection; it contains a number of images of both traditional and modern design in Nez Perce clothing and other items.

Jewelry and decoration on clothing and other items were used by the Nez Perce and other tribes to show connections with a particular group, and were used for traditions and trading material, too. Beading patterns varied from tribe to tribe, and some were used to display traditional designs and artwork.

In addition to beads, other items such as seeds or shells or teeth or claws or twigs were used for decoration and jewelry. Beads and beaded items were used in ceremonies, and other natural materials were used because of the respect that Indians had for the minerals and metals and wildlife on the earth. Dance ceremonies celebrated the change in seasons, harvest, births, and marriages. The Nez Perce took great care in the preparation of their appearance and accessories, and to this day they make detailed preparations and decorations for ceremonies and dances.

Beginning in the 1820s European fur traders brought glass beads known as "pony" beads from Italy to America. The Indians made beaded bags and other decorated items, and then in the 1860s smaller glass beads known as "seed" beads were imported from Belgium or Czechoslovakia. The early beaded bags used geometric designs, but later the beads were used to create floral patterns and picture motifs.