Plains Indians would wear bands on their heads or would stitch the bands into clothing. They were typically decorated with geometric designs. Bands covered in beads did not become prevalent until the late 1800s, when beadwork had become popular and beads easily accessible (Paterek 1994, 87). These bands would be recycled from one item to another, so that when an article of clothing wore out, the beaded band could be used elsewhere.

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