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Métis Culture

Decent Essays

Music, art, dance, and writing have always been rich within the history of the Métis people. Their creativity still lives on today with the help of many Métis art communities. The Métis have a fiddle musical tradition, but cover every genre from country to jazz. Some record CDs to preserve and teach about the musical heritage while others perform in dance groups sharing the culture and fashion live. Music and dance are important parts of Métis culture, especially with the fiddle. The fiddle was the most common instrument used in the community events. Other instrument used are the concertina, harmonica, hand drum, mouth harp, and finger instruments (bones and spoons). The French and Scots first introduced the fiddle, and they traded the fiddle …show more content…

Their art has also influenced other Natives within Canada. The Métis are famous for their floral beadwork, and were often referred to as the ‘Flower Beadwork People’. Beadwork is usually set against a black or blue background, and is inspired by European floral designs. They added beadwork designs to jackets, bags, gloves, vests, pouches, and even their saddles. These items were traded throughout North America and Europe. Embroidery is well known in the Métis culture, using floral silk. This was introduced to them by Ursuline Nuns, from Europe, who taught young Métis girls at Mission Schools . Métis artists have kept the culture alive by creating great works that reflect their history and values. Painters, illustrators, and sculptors, whether traditional or contemporary, have shown their heritage, but also their evolution as a group. As Métis people grow, they preserve their history and bring awareness to others …show more content…

Their clothing was inspired by the French-Canadian fur traders, and native clothing in the area. The women of the tribe were in charge of making the clothing, for their families. They used tanned animal skins, like moose and deer, or cloth obtain from trading with the Europeans. Mentioned previously, Métis decorated their clothing with beadwork and floral patterns. The most recognizable part of Métis clothing is the sash or L’Assomption Sash. The sash is a symbol of the Métis people and were originally made in a small Quebecois town called L’Assomption. The sashes were used by voyagers of the fur trade, but became popular with the Hudson Bay Company, and Northwest Company. The sashes were originally used by the voyagers as back support in their canoes. The sashes are hand-woven made of bright colored wool, mostly red and blue, with a fringe on the end. Specific colors and patterns represent different families, and fringes are actually used as an emergency sewing kit. The sashes are wrapped around the mid-section, keeping the coat closed or to hold

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