Tartan Aprons and Sashes

[Wazhazhe]

Hello. My name is Charlie Lame Deer. It's a bitterly cold day here in Northeastern Kentucky. I was searching for tartans that may have had any association with any of the Native American Indian tribes. So I happened here. WOW. How interesting. I read the thread on the matter of kilts and tartans in regards to the various tribes. I am Wazhazhe Band Lakota. I once heard of Osage Highlanders and saw their regalia and thought it was outstanding, their kilts with traditional bonnets. I am not in the least opposed to wearing a kilt, especially during the warmer days. I was curious about a tartan apron and sash. Some of the different dancers wear leggings, loincloth and apron. My maternal side of the family, Austin, married into the Wazhazhe and Santee. I think it would be a terrific honor to my ancestors to be able to incorporate something of them into the traditions of my other ancestors. Knowing very little of the history of the different clans, actually to the point of being totally ignorant, as far as I know, my Austin ancestor did not come from Scotland, but Conah's Quah, Wales. Would location have any bearing on a tartan as far as design?
A sincere thank you for helping to enlighten my ignorance. This is a terrific education site. I've had a great time reading the various posts.

[bdkilted]

Charlie;
I have accepted your request to join the Clan Keith group, and welcome. As to your questions, all Austin wear the Keith tartan. The Austins and the Keiths share a common heritage from the Catti tribe in the Netherlands and have been closely associated since moving to Scotland during the reign of Malcohm the first. An Austin came to be the chief of the Keiths by marrying the chief's daughter.

As to the tartan, as an associated family (sept) of the Keiths you can wear either the Keith ancient (also called the Austin plaid), or the Keith modern which you can see me wearing in my picture.

As to how to wear it; you can certainly wear the kilt, but no one in our clan would be upset if you chose to wear the tartan as a loin cloth with leggings. There have been a close association between Scots and Native Americans. Since our ancient society was tribal too, (even though we called them clans) we understood the American tribal societies and respected the traditions that helped them maintain their strength.

I know of at least one other NA in our clan, here in Texas.
You might want to check out the Clan Keith website too, and think about joining the Clan Keith Society, USA officially. http://www.clankeithusa.org/

Again, welcome to the group.
BD

[Wazhazhe]

Thank you. I am curious about the white rose and the bucks head, is the proper word for them symbols? Also, I understand the three red stripes, but where does the yellow come from? You see, oddly enough, these are the symbols and colors of my father's side of the family as well. It's very interesting the interconnectedness.