deerskin

Although the Zunis are renowned horticulturists, deer hunting was a ritual activity conducted on a communal and individual level. Deerskin was often used for moccasins, full-length dresses and bedding. Deerskin with hair was placed under saddles, and scraped fine, could be used for writing on or as medicine pouches. During ceremonial dances, women wore a white wrap of deerskin on their shins known as puttee.

Photo Credit

 
"We-Wa, a Zuni berdache, full length portrait - NARA - 523798" by John K. Hillers, 1843-1925 is licensed under Public Domain.

Term Type
References

 
Cushing, Frank Hamilton
     1896   “Outlines Of Zuñi Creation Myths.” Thirteenth Annual Report Of The Bureau Of
         Ethnology To The Smithsonian Institution 1891-’92. Washington, D. C.:
          Government Printing Office. Accessed April 21, 2016.
         http://ehrafworldcultures.yale.edu/document?id=nt23-012.

Frisbie, Theodore R.
     2009   “Culture Summary: Zuni.” New Haven, Conn.: Human Relations Area Files. Accessed
         April 1, 2014. http://ehrafworldcultures.yale.edu/document?id=nt23-000.