Indian women of Alfred Jacob Miller

[caintuckrifle]

I have been lurking here for a while, and I believe this is my first post. I am currently working on my AMM membership and like many have studied the paintings of Alfred Jacob Miller extensively. I have noticed that throughout the paintings a surprising number of "topless" native women appear including "The trappers bride" and "The thirsty trapper" plus others. My question is: was this a common style and way of dress for women in these tribes? Or is this simply an artistic liberty taken by miller as a result of his classical education in the arts. And his study in Baltimore, Venice, and Paris?

Any thoughts evidence and ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks, Carson P.

[Chuck Burrows]

I'm not certain how often the women went topless (there are some written references as well, but I can't find my notes on them).In some tribes the women's clothing consisted of a skirt with a separate top which makes it easier to do. This style women's clothing was most common amongst tribes such as the Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Kiowa. The Kiowa are now known as a southern plains tribe who "originated" in the north eastern Rockies and later moved to the Black Hills area of South Dakota, where they became close friends and allies of the Crow. They existed there until chased out by the Lakota as they moved west and south from the Great Lakes area.