Kaaysskaahpohsoyiistotohsini, or men's buckskin shirts decorated with quillwork, were worn by men of very high status in Siksika society. These shirts indicate that the owner was a successful warrior, who through his many coups, had achieved the privilege of wearing such a garment. The circles may represent hail which signifies that the owner has help from the power of Thunder.

Porcupine quillwork was a specialized art among Siksika women. Before learning to work with quills, a woman would undergo a special initiation to ensure that she would not go blind and that the quills would not harm her. Today, fewer than a half-dozen Siksika women practice quillworking in the traditional way.

ca. late 1800s, buckskin, porcupine quills, hawk bells, feathers, human hair, pigments, tin.
Glenbow Museum, acc. AF83

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