Stetson Stories
Keeping Tradition Alive with the Harris Sisters
The Harris sisters are a trio creating traditional Native American beadwork in their hometown of Pendleton, OR.
Photography by Sean Carr
Harris Sisters Co was founded by sisters Katie, Anna, and Mary in Pendleton, OR. The sisters are from the Nez Perce, Cayuse, Umatilla, and Karuk tribes and specialize in traditional beadwork.
A brief history of beadwork
Native American beadwork, like quill work before it, is a decorative art form. Utilitarian goods such as clothing, dwellings, horse gear, and utensils were at one time ornamented with quillwork and beadwork. Over time, the older ways of life have disappeared. Even though clothing and dwelling styles have changed, and the original needs for horse gear and certain utensils have vanished, decorative beadwork continues to flourish.
Today, beadwork has come to symbolize the Native American heritage.
Reference: https://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/native-american-beadwork/17880
HSC was started by the sisters wanting to create plateau beadwork while keeping their style as traditional as possible.
An updated classic, this button-front shirt dress features single point flap pockets and a deep back yoke for western appeal. Made with a supersoft blend for all-day comfort that doesn’t make sacrifices in style.
Katie creates beaded buckskin dresses, purses, horse regalia, beaded belts, beaded bracelets & earrings.
Anna has started tooling leather as an artistic outlet and a love for the western lifestyle growing up in Pendleton, home of the Pendleton Round-Up. She crossed paths with her now mentor Pedro Pedrini, and has continued to develop her skill in leathercraft recently finishing a set of fully tooled tapaderos. Even in her tooling style, she creates the traditional plateau flowers through her leather.
The youngest sister, Mary, is a sewer and beadworker.
Visit their work here.
A classic addition to any wardrobe, these Pixie boots are a fitting companion for anyone with a strong appreciation for objects that are made well and get better with age.
From staples to statement pieces. our Women’s clothing is inspired by the West and designed for the adventurous.
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