By Mike Greife,
March 9, 2016
WARRENSBURG, MO – The University of Central Missouri and the UCM Center for Religious
Studies will host a series of classes in Native American crafts, offering the opportunity
to create handmade items with instruction from seasoned professionals.
Pre-registration is required, and seating is limited. Register by email at tradingmoon@ucmo.edu
to reserve a seat and supply packet.
“The Spiritual Journey: Native American Bags” is planned for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday,
March 12, in Wood 102 on the UCM campus. Participants will make a leather medicine
bag, choose the contents of that bag from the supplied traditional contents, and receive
instruction in the meaning and use of the various kinds of “medicine.” Instructors
will also provide ideas for and examples of tradition-appropriate decoration of the
bags.
Two courses will be offered Saturday, March 26, at the ABC Building in Grover Park
in Warrensburg. “Walking Forward: Soft Leather Moccasins” is planned for 9 a.m.-1
p.m. Participants will make soft-leather moccasins. Instructors will also provide
ideas for and examples of tradition-appropriate decoration of the moccasins and suggestions
for which other of our classes would provide the opportunity to make said embellishments.
“Osage Ribbonwork” is planned for 2-5:30 p.m., with participants learning the techniques
of folded, cut, and sewn work with satin ribbons to make embellishments for bags,
regalia, clothing, and other items using colored paper.
“Warmth for the Journey: Traditional Native American Dance Shawls for Women” is planned
for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the ABC Building. Participants will make
a traditional dance shawl, used by female pow wow dancers. Instructors will also provide
ideas for tradition-appropriate decoration of the shawl.
Two courses will wrap up the series of courses on Saturday, April 23, in Wood 105
on the UCM campus. From 9 a.m.to 1 p.m. “Traditional Native American Beadwork” will
provide the opportunity to create a peyote-stitch lanyard and learn the basics of
other styles of beadwork such as lazy-stitch. A small loom for beading, various colors
of beads, and an assortment of other supplies will be provided for participants. From
2-6 p.m. “Lakota Quillwork” will offer an opportunity to learn the basics of crafting
embellishments and small items such as chokers out of porcupine quills and strips
of leather. Supplies for a number of quillwork pieces will be provided to each participant.
Financial assistance for the project has been provided by the Missouri Arts Council,
a state agency.
