Donning Identity: Traditional Chinese Buttons from a Historic Railroad Town in Northern Idaho

Author(s): Molly Swords

Year: 2014

Summary

Overseas Chinese played an important role in the shaping of the American West. Overemphasis of material stereotypes and public fascination with opium and gambling can leave a shallow interpretation of this important group. In this paper, I will examine traditional Chinese clothing fasteners, buttons, in the context of a male residence and business located in late 19th century Sandpoint, Idaho. Through this analysis, I view the importance of Chinese Identity through the lens of self expression by traditional choices.

Cite this Record

Donning Identity: Traditional Chinese Buttons from a Historic Railroad Town in Northern Idaho. Molly Swords. Presented at Society for Historical Archaeology, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. 2014 ( tDAR id: 436719)

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): SYM-14,17