Seminole Clothing part 4: Patchwork

The patchwork clothing made by the Seminole and Miccosukee people of Florida is a unique art form and cultural expression. The Florida Indians were relatively isolated from other tribes and adapted to the environment, which is probably why they came up with the patchwork. It is also believed that they developed it when tourism was taking off in south Florida, and visitors wanted to purchase the colorful and unique clothing of the Indians. The tribes were not federally recognized, so the clothing that they made was a form of income.

It is believe that Miccosukee around Miami were the first ones making the patchwork, and then it was developed over the rest of Florida among the Seminoles. Whatever the origins, it is a unique art form that needs to be preserved. Other tribes have copied the patchwork and now make it, like the Seminole or Creeks in Oklahoma, but it started in Florida.

It is not as common as in the past and very expensive, due to the limited number of people that still make it to be sold outside their families. MY own opinion is that the pinnacle of patchwork was probably in the 1960s and 70s. And also my opinion that I think everyone in Florida needs to dress in patchwork for daily wear, as our own cultural and geographical expression for living in Florida.