Ryia LeBeau, Two Kettle Band of the Thithunwan (People of the Plains) in South Dakota.
Photo by Straighthead photography
As seen with ribbon skirts, belts from Northern Native American Tribes are worn in times of a celebration, ceremony, or a girl’s first moon meaning her becoming a woman. These pieces are hand crafted, and unique varying from personal expression and tribal traditions. Join Ryia
LeBeau, an Indigenous designer to make your own belt to pair with your ribbon skirt.
In recent historical past, women of the Indigenous society wore belts for very practical reasons. Everything a woman carried on her belt were tools to carry out daily tasks. Her essentials were a knife, an awl for hole punching, and pouches for various uses, such as collecting foods and medicines. “It was told to me that during the 1876 Battle of Greasy Grass a
Northern Cheyenne woman retrieved General George Armstrong Custers’ sword and wore it honorably. And since, women of the Plains emulate her honor by wearing a creative replica.” says Riya.
Picture provided by Ryia LeBeau.
How long have you been doing this? Did anyone inspire you?
“I hand sewed my first leather purse when I was about 14-15 years old. My mother always encouraged my creativity and allowed for me to pursue different passions where she supported.”
How are you able to have these classes?
“With the help and support of the USDA Extension Program at Haskell I have been able to host
Skill-share classes in leather belt making.”
What do you wish more people knew about your art?
“To my surprise, people often ask if the belts I make are only for those that dance. The reality is that the belts I make are for utmost practical reasons just as much as they are for performative use.”
Is there a specific name you call your belts?
“I have not assigned any specific names for my belts and accessories. Although I am quite proud to release him/her – them/theirs – she/they – her/her – him/him, etc. earring collection!”
Picture provided by Ryia LeBeau, taken by Straighthead Photography.
Picture provided by Ryia LeBeau.
Seen in all the pictures above are belts Riya has made using leather, brass, and nickel. Using her creativity every belt is different and comes with a powerful story. Riya is having belt making classes so anyone can have the opportunity to make their own belt, there is plenty dates available for you. Classes will be held September 17th and 24th, October 15th and 22nd. Time and place are still being determined, you can email rachael.lackey@haskell.edu for information and sign up for the class. Keep an eye out for flyers that will contain information about the class!
If you have any other questions, you can contact Ryia LeBeau ryia.lebeau@haskell.edu
Indigenous & American Indian Studies Program
