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What roles did Oceti Sakowin women have in quillwork, beadwork, and bison-hide production?

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A Cheyenne River Sioux dancer in colorful traditional regalia performs during the Grand Entry at a powwow, with an American flag and other participants in the background. — Oceti Sakowin A member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe performing during the Grand Entry at the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Fair Rodeo and Powwow, Eagle Butte, South Dakota, September 4, 2016.

Within the Oceti Sakowin, women played a vital role in the production of material goods and artistic expression. They were highly skilled in porcupine-quill and bead embroidery, frequently utilizing geometric designs to decorate clothing and other items.1

Regarding bison-hide production, women were responsible for processing a significant number of hides, particularly during the 19th century. These items, often referred to as "buffalo robes," became increasingly important as their trade value rose dramatically. The creation of these goods was a testament to the skill and labor of Oceti Sakowin women, who transformed raw materials into essential clothing and valuable trade commodities. While men’s roles were often centered on hunting and warfare, women’s craftsmanship in embroidery and hide processing was central to the material culture and economic life of the community.12