Ceintures Flechées

Ceintures Flechées: A hand woven sash or belt worn about the waist,
typically made of bright colours such as red, yellow, blue, white and black it
is also known as the Métis or Voyageur sash. The art of weaving the sash was
passed on by French Canadians to the Voyageurs who themselves passed it on to
the Métis. Valued for its practicality and versatility, the voyageurs generally
wrapped it around their midsection to provide extra back support while portaging
or hauling their packs up steep embankments, it could also be used as a rope to
pull objects with. Today the sash is worn by members of the Métis nation as a
symbol of their pride and nationhood.