Quill and Beadwork of the Western Sioux

The Sioux believed that the art of quilling was brought to a woman in a dream. She in turn taught others how to work with the quills. Each woman used personal and original designs which she received through her own dreams. When European beads became available the traditional designs were carried over into beadwork.

Quill and Beadwork of the Wesern Sioux is the classic work on these important Plains Indian arts, applying to the Cheyennes and Arapahoes as well as to the Sioux. The book is at once a history and a practical, easy to follow manual for people wishing to recreate for themselves objects decorated in an authentic and traditional manner.