The Santa Fe New Mexican from Santa Fe, New Mexico • 74

A visual feas By Barbara Templeman When Jeri Ah-Be-Hill became the chairperson of the Native American Clothing Contest 1 1 years ago, it was important to her that the narrated show of Native American fashion be educational as well as entertaining. certain materials and styles of decoration American Indian Nations from across the United States compete for ribbons and cash at the fashion show, and Indian Market attendees learn that every nation is different different materials and design motifs vary from region to region based upon climate, geography, availability of materials and design inspiration. "What people wore had to do with their climate and geography," Ah-Be-Hill says. She uses the moccasin as an example. Some Plains Indians wore soft-soled moccasins beaded moccasins for ceremonies because their terrain was grassy, soft and flat.

Apache moccasins were made of tough hide and had pointed toes that curled up because of the cactus and hard rocky terrain of their region. AIjH IJfll1 Plains Indian with a war bonnet made of eagle feathers decorated with ermin and a beaded brow band. Leather vest has bead work trim and he's wearing a bone chocker. "Indian Market is about Ah-Be-Hill says. "And when you see the clothing you see art.

Ah-Be-Hill referred to last year's best-of-show ensemble, which included a traditional hand woven cap, a buckskin dress with a fully beaded top, fully beaded leggings and moccasins, a fan, beaded belt and a beaded bag. "When you attend the Native American Clothing Contest you are looking at art from the top of their head to the bottom of their feet. She adds, "What you see and experience at the fashion show is the clothing of a culture what people actually wear for social events, ceremonies and dances. It is Facta What Nut iv Ani' H-t i li 'i 1 1 it it' i When At im. not a costume.

It is not made-up. It is their clothing." The narration that accompanies the fashion show describes the clothing details as well as the reasons behind the use of The hand-made clothing is very expensive and time-consuming to produce. Ah-Be-Hill says, "If an outfit Girl wearing a Kiowa buckskin dress carrying Kiowa cradle board. Her war bonnet is traditionally worn by Kiowa chocker necklace. women when performing the scalp dance.

Note the beautiful bone Indlanmarkct tool.