The Oneida Indians are a part of the Iroquois tribe. The traditional dress of the Oneida Indians much like that of most early American tribes was influenced by the colonial Europeans when they came to the North American continent. 

Originally the men of the Oneida Indians did not wear shirts. This would change later with the European influence. They traditionally wore breech-cloths along with leggings. The breech-cloths were worn between the legs with the end being tucked over a belt.

The Oneida women wore wraparound skirts along with shorter leggings than those of the men. They also wore tunics or ponchos that were called “overdresses”. These were fitted at the waist and flared at the bottom. The dresses had an upside down V shape that was left open. The V was usually edged with beads. The women often wore slashed or leather belts to complete the look. In colder months the women wore fur robs or mantles, as did the men. These dresses were often decorated with silver jewelry.

Both the men and women of the Oneida people wore moccasins on their feet. These were short moccasins that had a turned down cuff. They were usually made form deer hide or elk skin.

Some of the traditional fabrics of the Oneida Indians were made from plants or tree fibers. This made them cool and comfortable in the warmer months.

The Oneida people did not wear long headdresses. The men wore traditional Iroquois headdress with feather caps. They usually had a different insignia from one tribe to the next. They had two eagle feathers that stood straight with one feather trailing behind. Oneida men wore their hair in the “Mohawk” or roach style. They sometimes added to their hair with a crest made from porcupine or deer hair. These were brightly colored and stood straight up. 

Oneida women sometimes wore beaded tiaras. They were made from velvet, broadcloth or wool. The fabric was beaded onto a stiff backing. It was then attached to leather or cloth by sewing the layers together. It was edged at the top with small white seed beads. They were so delicate in some cases that they actually looked like fine lace. The beads were usually in the shape of the clan symbol, flowers, vines, leaves and other things from nature. The women wore their hair loose and long or in one long braid. They did not cut their hair except when in mourning. 

The men of the tribe usually wore tattoos of tribal art. The women did not wear these tattoos.

There were also accessories such as beautiful beaded bags and purses that the women used. These were usually reserved for special occasions.

www.bigorrin.org/oneida

www.tuscaroras.com/greydeer/pages/childrenspage.htm.