Maine Memory Network

Augustus F. Morse, photographer who worked in Hallowell, took this full-length image of an unidentified Wabanaki man (possibly Penobscot).

The photo features the man's regalia, including an upright headdress typical to Wabanaki people; beaded sash and arm bands; and ribbonwork designs on his clothing.

Jason K. Brown (Penobscot) and Donna Decontie Brown (Penobscot/Algonquin) are jewelry and fashion designers who celebrate their creativity and Penobscot heritage through their company, Decontie & Brown.

Wabanaki people have always designed and decorated their clothing in beautiful and innovative ways. The 1865 photographs of Molly Molasses wearing her checkered coat, peaked hat, and trade silver inspired the Gingham Glam series.

Of this work, Jason Brown said,
"It’s a great honor to keep the spirit and memories of our ancestors alive through fashion and creativity. When a new creation is inspired by the old ones, we can feel them looking over our shoulder with pride, knowing that their beautiful energy will continue to move forward through the world."

Jason Brown grew up on the Penobscot Reservation, studied at the Institute of American Indian Art in Santa Fe, and is a 2016 recipient of a First People's Fund award.

Brown’s Creation bracelet combines a geometric rendering in copper of the Wabanaki genesis—showing culture hero Glooscap's arrow splitting an ash tree—overlaid upon woven brown ash. He describes his inspiration,

"We know through the creation story that Wabanaki people came from the brown ash tree. By continuing to use brown ash in our basketry and artwork, we maintain and honor our connection to the past. Historically, copper was mined by Wabanaki people in the Bay of Fundy and cold formed into articles of adornment. When I combine all of these elements in a contemporary way, I feel that this piece is a powerful reflection of Wabanaki history and culture.”

Deerskin moccasins feature wide side cuffs of appliqué cut silk ribbon designs. Attributed to a Penobscot Nation artist, the moccasins feature a geometric cloth and white beaded pattern. Inscribed on the inside of the left shoe :moccasins: G. Robie / May 9, 1834 / P.F.G. Robie" and on the inside of the right shoe, "Feby 4th G left for Bangor."

Access to manufactured materials like woven cloth and glass beads saved time from processing skins, stones, and shells, traditionally used for adornment. The introduction of brightly colored silk ribbons and standard sized glass beads led to a flourishing of innovation in Wabanaki adornment. Red and blue wool associated with yearly annuities from the governments of Massachusetts and Maine to the sovereign Penobscot Nation fulfilled yearly treaty agreements, called "trade cloth" are featured on these moccasins.