What do Women Ribbon Skirts and Men Ribbon Shirts mean.

1. Adaptation and Endurance:
   • Ribbon shirts are a prime example of an adapting and enduring Indian garment. They have evolved over time, blending traditional practices with contemporary fashion.
   • French and English traders introduced colored silk ribbons, which were subsequently adopted into Native traditional practices. These ribbons were used for ceremonial offerings and as decoration.
   • The vibrant colors of the ribbons made them ideal for incorporation into important regalia, including ribbon shirts.
2. Ribbon Appliqué Art Form:
   • Ribbon appliqué is a significant art form for various tribal groups, especially in the Great Lakes region.
   • The technique involves cutting patterns out of paper and transferring them to ribbons of one color. These ribbons are then appliquéd with invisible stitches onto a background panel of another color.
   • The resulting panels are used to decorate garments such as skirts, breechcloths, leggings, and blankets.
   • Before 1850, ribbon appliqué patterns were geometric and repeating. Afterward, designs became more intricate and curvilinear.
   • The visual reversal of pattern and background changes with the viewer’s perception, creating a dynamic effect.
3. Pan-Indian Attire:
   • Ribbon shirts for men have become a pan-Indian attire, worn at various special social gatherings.
   • These shirts feature ribbons sewn to the yoke and are often paired with jeans or pants.
   • Contemporary Native fashion designers incorporate ribbon work into their designs, celebrating both tradition and innovation.
4. Symbolism and Reclamation:
   • The Dakota ribbon shirt represents resilience, survival, and identity.
   • For Indigenous peoples, it signifies personal reclamation—reclaiming identity and wearing it proudly.
   • It serves as a form of armor, connecting wearers to their heritage and cultural strength.

In summary, the Dakota ribbon shirt weaves together history, artistry, and identity, making it a cherished and powerful garment within Native American communities¹²³⁴.