Elk-tooth dresses like this one are important symbols of prestige for Apsáalooke women. Because they can have as many as 500 elk teeth meticulously sewn into the bodice, and because the maker only uses the two canine teeth of the bull elk, a dress like this reflects not only a woman’s sewing skills, but, as importantly, her male members’ hunting prowess. Today, few elk-tooth dresses are made entirely from real teeth – there are acceptable commercial substitutions – but the dress endures as an object of significance and cultural pride.

NOTE: See previous image for an interesting (I thought ;-)) aside about native language translations of the displays.

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From the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery website:

“Women have long been the creative force behind Native American art, yet their individual contributions have been largely unrecognized, instead treated as anonymous representations of entire cultures. ‘Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists’ explores the artistic achievements of Native women and establishes their rightful place in the art world.”

Best to view in "Original" because other versions resized by Pbase are decidedly unsharp.

‘Venere Alpina,’ Kay WalkingStick (Cherokee), 1997, posted earlier: