This book assembles for the first time reliable information about the dress of the Plains Indians. In counters the misconception that all the tribes of the central region dressed alike. Although certain similarities could be found among the groups, each tribe had its own distinctive traditions and preferences in cut, color, decorative symbols, and trim, as well as in style of hair and headdress, footwear, and accessories. The author became aware of the need for a book such as this when he was helping make Indian costumes for exhibitions and dances. He searched early monographs, other reliable documents, and museums to compile for his own use the information on which this book is based.

The hobbyist, as well as the historian and anthropologist, will find here the information he has been seeking: patterns of shirts, robes, and moccasins; colors and designs used by specific tribes; the symbolism of details of ceremonial dress. The visitor to Indian gatherings will recognize old-and-new style elements in the dance costumes and learn to appreciate their meanings.