Eva McAdams
Shoshone regalia maker
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Eva B. St. Clair Washakie McAdams (June 18, 1927 – January 29, 2010) was a Shoshone regalia maker and beadwork artist. Born on Wyoming's Wind River Reservation, McAdams was named a Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1996.
June 18, 1927
Eva McAdams | |
|---|---|
| Born | Eva B. St. Clair Washakie June 18, 1927 |
| Died | January 29, 2010 (aged 82) |
| Citizenship | Eastern Shoshone |
| Occupations | Needleworker and beading artist |
| Known for | Shoshone regalia maker |
| Spouse(s) | Alfred "Dutch" McAdams, married 1945 |
| Children | 8 |
| Parent(s) | Lynn and Eloise Sonnicant St. Clair |
| Family | Washakie |
| Awards | National Heritage Fellowship |
Biography
Early life
Eva B. St. Clair Washakie was born in Fort Washakie, on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming on June 18, 1927.[1] She was the second oldest of eight children, and a great-granddaughter of Chief Washakie, a Shoshone leader.[2][3] As a child, she learned the tradition of Shoshone needlework and beading on buckskin from her mother, grandmother Mary Washakie and aunt.[1] Buckskin sewing was historically regarded as a survival skill amongst the Shoshone, and today has grown into a ceremonial role.[4][5][6]
Beading and needlework
In 1945, Eva married her husband Alfred "Dutch" McAdams.[3] The couple operated a ranch in Wind River, and Eva practiced her needlework in her free time. To support her family, McAdams worked several jobs, such as operating a native crafts store and for the Bureau of Indian Affairs while raising eight children.[2] McAdam's reputation began to grow for her traditional designs on buckskin, used for Shoshone ceremony.[7] McAdams became particularly known for her Shoshone Rose and floral motifs, which she claimed were inspired by advertisements.[3][8]
McAdams said, "Sacajawea and the Shoshones considered the rose the world's most beautiful flower. That's why they selected it for beading. It represents goodness and love".[9]
Recognition and legacy
In 1990, she received the Wyoming Governor's Art Award, and was the first Native artist to be honored with the award.[3] In 1996, she was awarded a National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts.[2][10] McAdams taught her traditional needlework to her children and grandchildren.
McAdams died in Fort Washakie on January 29, 2010.[1] Today, her granddaughter Joanne Brings Thunder continues her grandmother's needlework and beading traditions.[11][12]
