Art Form: Anishinaabe beadwork, leatherwork, and copper jewelry

Location(s): Hessel (Mackinac County)

David Dutcher

Portrait of David Dutcher in 2016 with one of his skirts, photo by Nick Schaedig

David Dutcher's beadwork and copper accessories

David Dutcher's workshop

David Dutcher (b.1956) is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and an artist who works in multiple genres. He began making traditional Anishinabek black ash baskets at age 9 with his father, Jon Roy Dutcher. David is skilled in a variety of different Eastern Woodland bead styles beyond those commonly employed by traditional Anishinabek beadwork artists. Today, David maintains traditional Anishinabek designs as well as developing contemporary  aesthetic patterns with materials traditionally used in Anishinabek art. He incorporates custom appliqué beadwork into a variety of traditional and contemporary textile products from moccasins and breeches to laptop bags and purses. His custom stitched garments evoke colonial period aesthetics that draw viewers into sophisticated conversations on hegemonic aesthetic forms and counter-appropriation. David is at home in both these types of theoretical discussions of material culture history and in the specialized and challenging work of re-creating the materials. Many regional pow wow dancers perform regularly in moccasins, jewelry, and clothing created and or decorated by David. With hand tools, including some of his own design, he handcrafts copper jewelry.

In addition to his thriving dress and adornment art practice, David also provides a variety of arts and culture-related services for both his tribe and the community at-large. These include direct collections care for many of the Tower of History Museum’s (Sault Ste. Marie) most delicate objects as well as providing information on appropriate and respectful storage practices and interpretive information for items ranging from snowshoes to ceremonial rattles. He has also been a professional hairstylist and has been enlisted by community art and theater organizations to help with hair and makeup for stage productions.

- Nick Schaedig, 2016