Beaded Pad Saddle Materials: moose hide, fabric, glass beads,
thread, yarn, and unknown stuffing This beaded pad saddle comes
from the Cree Nation of the northern Great Plains region in the
United States. The Cree are one of the major Algonquian-speaking
North American tribes and reside mainly west of Lake Superior as
well as in Canada. There are eight groups of Cree, including the
Attikamekw, Swampy Cree, Montagnais, and Plains Cree. This
saddle is specifically from the Plains Cree tribe and was made
around the year 1880 A.D. This piece displays the influence of
Europeans in multiple ways. After the arrival of Europeans,
glass seed beads and horses, among other things, were traded to
the natives. The Cree are known for their artistic beadwork and
such work is displayed proudly on our saddle. Each corner and
adjoining rectangular tab is adorned with varying floral
designs, all created with tiny glass seed beads. Multiple yarn
tassels are also attached to each corner. These decorative
elements are strategicall