What are Moccasins?
The word moccasin was first introduced into English in 1612, from a Virginia Algonquian language, most likely Powhatan (makasin ‘shoe’), though similar words exist in Narragansett (mokussin), Micmac (m’kusun), and Ojibwa (makasin). The term is used in a general sense to refer to any piece of footwear made of soft leather (most often deerskin). The shoes are most often incredibly pliable and soft, allowing for hunters to walk virtually silently. Being made of leather, they also soak up liquid easily and lend good traction. Specifically, the term is used to denote leather footwear worn by many native tribes of North America. Many moccasins are decorated with beads, shells, or other adornments, depending on the tribe and particular use.
