Art of the Metis

The identification of distinctive Metis art is complicated by the fact that Metis artistic styles had a wide range of influence on Indian art throughout the continent. As a result of this confluence, Aboriginal art collections have difficulty identifying exclusively Metis contributions. Most collections, in fact, identify art objects by their last owner, and since these goods were often objects of trade, Metis creators are rarely identified. It is not uncommon to find Metis art objects misidentified as “Plains Cree” or “Assiniboine” of some other group. Commonly handmade Metis furniture is identified as being created by pioneers.

There is little confusion, however, about the place and importance of Metis floral beadwork. These colourful designs and creations are distinctive Metis. The designs are typically compositions of European flowers and, as is clear from the image, the creations are very different from those of other Aboriginal groups.

Through the mission schools Metis attended they came in contact with the Grey Nuns from Europe. The Grey Nuns carried with them the floral silk embroidery traditions from France. These techniques and patterns impressed the Metis who then incorporated them into traditional Aboriginal porcupine quill work designs. The results were the foundation of the brilliant, colourful, delicate, symmetrical floral Metis beadwork creations.

Using seed beads, silk and llama threads obtained through the fur trade, the Metis generated the artwork on their clothing that led them to be known as the “Flower Bead Work People”. These creations were so impressive that, as trade goods, these articles were distributed throughout both North America and Europe.

Metis floral beadwork was typically placed against a black or dark blue cloth background, which pronounced its effects. Often the cloth was trimmed with silk ribbons. This specialized artwork can be seen on jackets, bags, leggings, gloves and vests.

In the Red River Valley, the Metis specialized in creating artistic horse gear and western wear garments, including items like coats, pouches, and moccasins. Following stereotypes, Caucasian travelers were interested in purchasing art from “real Indians”, so Metis sold their works to Indians, who then resold them to Whites. This reason occasioned the “misidentification” of Metis art referred to earlier.

Another distinctive site of Metis artwork was on the clothing, bags and pouches used by Metis men and women. Often the floral beadwork designs on these objects contained family-specific patterns. When this wonderful artwork was placed on the simple black cloth of construction, the results very impressive.