Creating Authentic Native Characters in Red Dead Online

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Historical Appearance and Clothing of Native Americans in the American West
   • 2.1 Citizens Dress
   • 2.2 Traditional Dress
   • 2.3 Partial Dress
3. Clothing Statistics from Reservation Records in 1898
   • 3.1 Apache
   • 3.2 Blackfeet
   • 3.3 Cheyenne
   • 3.4 Comanches and Kiowas
   • 3.5 Crow
   • 3.6 Navajo
   • 3.7 Nez Perce
   • 3.8 Pawnee
   • 3.9 Ute
   • 3.10 Great Sioux Nation
4. Factors Influencing Native Dress in 1898
   • 4.1 Native Annuitants
   • 4.2 Cotton and Wool Clothing
   • 4.3 Issues with Clothing Shipments
   • 4.4 Assimilation Efforts and Cultural Erosion
5. Traditional Dress Components
   • 5.1 Men's Clothing
   • 5.2 Women's Clothing
6. Special Clothing and Accessories
   • 6.1 War Shirts
   • 6.2 Hair Pipe Breastplates
   • 6.3 Headbands
   • 6.4 Eagle Feathers
7. Hairstyles Among Native Tribes
8. Designing a Historically Accurate Native American Character
9. Conclusion

Historical Appearance and Clothing of Native Americans in the American West

Native Americans in the American West have a rich history and culture, including their unique clothing traditions. In this article, we will explore the historical appearance and clothing of Native Americans in the American West, focusing on the year 1898. By understanding the clothing choices of different tribes during this time period, Creators can design historically accurate Native American characters. We will examine the statistical data from reservation records and consider the factors that influenced Native dress. Additionally, we will Delve into specific components of traditional dress and discuss special clothing and accessories, as well as hairstyles. Let's begin by exploring the clothing statistics from reservation records in 1898.

Clothing Statistics from Reservation Records in 1898

In order to gain insights into the clothing choices of Native Americans in 1898, we have analyzed the reservation records from that year. The data provides detailed statistics on the clothing worn by tribal members in different tribes. Based on this data, we have divided the attire into three categories: citizens dress, traditional dress, and partial dress, which is a mixture of both. Let's take a closer look at the clothing statistics from selected tribes.

Apache

According to the reservation records, in 1898, 13% of Apaches wore full citizens dress, 50% wore partial dress, and 37% continued to wear traditional dress.

Blackfeet

Among the Blackfeet tribe, 99% wore full citizens dress and only 1% wore partial dress or traditional dress.

Cheyenne

For the Cheyenne tribe, 25% wore full citizens dress, 73% wore partial dress, and 2% continued to wear traditional dress.

Comanches and Kiowas

Both the Comanche and Kiowa tribes, which were historical allies and often intermingled, showed different clothing preferences. In these tribes, only 3% wore full citizens dress, 78% wore partial dress, and 19% continued to wear traditional dress.

Crow

Among the Crow tribe, 25% wore citizens dress and 75% wore partial dress, with none wearing traditional attire in 1898.

Navajo

Interestingly, none of the Navajo wore full citizens clothing in 1898. Only 5% wore partial dress, and a significant 95% continued to wear traditional dress.

Nez Perce

In 1898, 14% of the Nez Perce tribe wore full citizens dress, 85% wore partial dress, and 1% wore traditional dress.

Pawnee

Among the Pawnee tribe, 28% wore full citizens dress, 21% wore partial dress, and 51% wore traditional dress.

Ute

Approximately 38% of the Ute tribe wore citizens dress in 1898, while 48% wore partial dress and 14% wore traditional dress.

Great Sioux Nation

Examining the Great Sioux Nation as a whole, 77% wore full citizens dress, 18% wore partial dress, and 5% wore traditional dress. Notably, there were variations among the sub-tribes, with the Rosebud Sioux having only 38% wearing citizens dress, 43% wearing partial dress, and 19% wearing traditional dress.

These statistics provide valuable insights into the clothing choices of Native Americans in the American West in 1898. However, it's important to consider certain factors that influenced these numbers, which we will explore further in the next section.

Factors Influencing Native Dress in 1898

The clothing choices of Native Americans in 1898 were influenced by various factors, including the ongoing Native annuities, the availability of cotton and wool clothing, issues with clothing shipments, and assimilation efforts by the government. Let's delve deeper into these factors to better understand their impact on Native dress.

Native Annuitants

As part of the ongoing annuity payments from the federal government, Native Americans received clothing shipments. These shipments often included citizens dress since it was readily available and free of charge. Many Native Americans, therefore, wore citizens dress simply because it was accessible. However, it's important to note that some Native Americans preferred clothing made from cotton and wool, which provided better insulation in winter and breathability in summer compared to traditional skins.

Cotton and Wool Clothing

Native Americans had access to cotton and wool clothing, which included shirts, vests, coats, and pants. These garments were obtained through trade with white settlers and traders. Cotton shirts with various Patterns were particularly popular among Native Americans, allowing them to incorporate their own unique style while adopting some elements of European fashion. This Blend of traditional and European clothing was commonly observed in partial dress.

Issues with Clothing Shipments

There were instances where clothing shipments from vendors contracted through the Office of Indian Affairs were poorly made. Such substandard clothing may have prompted tribes to rely more on their traditional attire or Seek alternatives to the provided clothing.

Assimilation Efforts and Cultural Erosion

During this period, the government implemented various initiatives, such as the Dawes Act and the Curtis Act, with the aim of assimilating Native Americans into mainstream American society. Native children were sent to Indian boarding schools where they were compelled to adopt European customs, including shorter hairstyles, European clothing, and Christianity. These assimilation efforts contributed to the erosion of Native tribal identity, culture, and clothing choices.

It's crucial to understand these historical factors when designing a historically accurate Native American character for authenticity. Now, let's explore the components of traditional dress worn by Native men and women during this time.

Traditional Dress Components

Native American traditional dress incorporated a range of items and materials specific to each tribe. Although there were similarities in attire across various tribes, there were also unique elements that distinguished them. Let's examine the components of traditional dress for both men and women.

Men's Clothing

In warmer months, most Native men in the American West did not wear shirts and instead opted for a breechcloth or loincloth, along with moccasins and optional leggings. In colder months, leggings became more common, often paired with a deerskin tunic to cover the upper body. Many tribes also added a wearing blanket, which was wrapped around the waist or slung over the shoulders, providing additional warmth and protection.

Animal robes made from buffalo, antelope, elk, or other small animals were frequently used in the fall and winter seasons. These robes were intricately pieced or woven together and provided insulation against the harsh weather conditions.

Highlights

• Native American clothing in the American West during 1898 had distinct categories: citizens dress, traditional dress, and partial dress.
• The percentage of Native Americans wearing each category varied among different tribes.
• Factors such as annuity payments, cotton and wool clothing availability, issues with shipments, and assimilation efforts influenced Native dress.
• Traditional Native clothing for men included breechcloths, leggings, deerskin tunics, wearing blankets, and animal robes.
• Native women typically wore one-piece sleeveless dresses made from elk or deerskin, often embellished with beadwork, quills, and other ornaments.
• Special clothing and accessories like war shirts, hair pipe breastplates, headbands, and eagle feathers held cultural significance.
• Hairstyles varied among different tribes, with some men wearing long, loose hair and others sporting braids or shaved heads.

FAQ

Q: How did Native Americans in the American West dress in 1898?

A: The attire of Native Americans in the American West in 1898 varied across tribes. Some tribes wore full citizens dress influenced by European fashion, while others continued to wear traditional dress made from animal skins. There were also many tribes that embraced partial dress, incorporating elements of both citizens and traditional clothing.

Q: What materials were used in traditional Native American clothing?

A: Traditional Native American clothing was primarily made from animal skins, such as deerskin, elk skin, and bison hide. These materials provided durability, insulation, and protection against the elements. Additionally, tribes incorporated decorations like beads, quills, shells, and bone into their garments.

Q: How did Native clothing change due to government policies?

A: Government policies, such as the Dawes Act and the Curtis Act, aimed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society. These policies encouraged Native children to attend boarding schools, where they were required to adopt European-style clothing and hairstyles, leading to a decline in the use of traditional attire among younger generations.

Q: Did Native Americans wear headdresses?

A: Headdresses were worn by some Native Americans, particularly tribal leaders and those who had accomplished significant feats. Eagle feathers held deep cultural and spiritual significance and were often used in headdresses. However, it is important to note that headdresses were not worn by all Native Americans and were not exclusive to any specific tribe.

Q: How can I design a historically accurate Native American character?

A: When designing a historically accurate Native American character, it is important to consider the specific tribe, time period, and historical Context. Research the clothing, hairstyles, and accessories that were present within the chosen tribe during the desired time period. Pay Attention to the materials used, cultural significance, and patterns/decorations unique to that tribe. Incorporate these elements thoughtfully to Create an authentic representation.