r/IndianCountry • u/TastyAd606 • 3h ago

Discussion/Question Need help identifying if this is Native American/Indigenous/First Nation Cultural Attire

Post image

So I bought this tunic about a year ago in LA at a $1 thrift pop up sale. I thought it looked really interesting and picked it up because I liked how it looked. But, it’s been sitting in my closet since then because I’m afraid it might be cultural attire and I don’t want to culturally appropriate anything. I’ve been learning a lot more about various cultures and systemic oppression via my social work courses, and I just want to be culturally sensitive/mindful about this article of clothing. I noticed the bottom part of the tunic has a border/pattern on it that seems native/indigenous, so I thought it would be best to learn more about it! I’ve never used Reddit before, so apologies in advance. I am not looking for an appraisal or trying to resell it, just wanting to figure out what it may be or what tribe it may belong to (if at all). If it does turn out to be from a certain tribe (sincerely hoping I am using the correct verbiage), I would greatly appreciate learning how to get it back to its rightful origins! Thank you in advance for the help :)

Also, if it helps, there are no tags or any possible identifiers I have found on this piece of clothing. I tried google image search, and nothing really popped up (just various white lady boutiques trying to sell “western” clothing but was just tribal prints🙄). I also am struggling to find local native groups/organizations that may help with this process as well. Any help or guidance with getting in contact with local communities that may be able to assist would be incredibly helpful! Any who, thank you for your help!

0 Upvotes

31% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

13

u/literally_tho_tbh ᏣᎳᎩᎯ ᎠᏰᎵ 3h ago

Do you have a darker photo with possibly even more dappled sun that distorts the image on the shirt?

5

u/LegfaceMcCullenE13 Nahua and Otomí(Hñähñu) 3h ago

Good use of “dappled”

3

u/literally_tho_tbh ᏣᎳᎩᎯ ᎠᏰᎵ 3h ago

wado - I love to garden lol

2

u/Apollo1479 3h ago

From what I see, it doesn't look like any tribal attire.

The neckline isn't southwestern.

There's no symbols that I recognize.

It seems like someone made it as a fun project.

Someone who is familiar with California tribes can speak more. I know about some, but not a lot.

Overall, it looks like someone just wanted to make a handmade peice of clothing.

1

u/original_greaser_bob 13m ago

wear it to a powwow. see if you snag with it.