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ARTISANS, CRAfTSPEOPLE, AND Craftwork has been important in the Amanas, techniques, are available through the Broom
CLASSES both during the communal period and today. and Basket Shop in West Amana.
There are numerous artists’ studios and
Across the Byway, there are both utilitarian galleries along the Byway route, including COSTUMES AND DRESS
and purely artistic designers, although many painters, metal workers, ceramicists, sculptors,
craftspeople combine utility with beauty. A wide and traditional craft artists. The Amana The Meskwaki are well known for their fancy
variety of Meskwaki artisans and craftspeople Arts Guild, headquartered in High Amana, dance regalia, which often includes yarn belts
are active today. Examples of highly skilled disseminates information on many of these and sashes, and colorful ribbon appliqué.
artistry on the Settlement include works in artists, hosts exhibits, and holds special and Some sashes and appliquéd clothing is worn
carved wood, quills, beads, sewing, appliqué, annual events relating to local and visiting in non-powwow settings, as is traditional
ribbonwork, and finger weaving (warp face artists. The Guild sponsors a number of beadwork. Traditional Amana clothing was
braiding), especially sashes and yarn belts. training opportunities and “Art Nights” where modest. A few women, mainly older, continue
Wood carving may include bowls, spoons, artists open their studios to the public. to wear traditional clothing—black apron, cap,
and knife handles, often with a spiritual or clan and triangular shawl—to church.
component. The Meskwaki Sewing Project The Guild offers adult or children’s courses
involves fluent Meskwaki-speaking women and workshops in painting, blacksmithing,
elders teaching younger women how to basketry, tinsmithing, woodworking, rug
fashion traditional Meskwaki clothing, such as weaving, tatting, and photography. Basket-
moccasins, ribbon appliqué shirts, and woven making classes, using traditional Amana
yarn belts.
