Tohe

Tohe is a Gwich'in term that refers to a specific style of traditional indigenous footwear made from buckskin or deerskin. The design and construction of Tohe shoes are characteristic of the Gwich'in people's traditional arts and craftsmanship.

The primary material for making Tohe shoes is the skin of an animal, typically from deer or caribou. The skin is cut and shaped to provide a comfortable and durable upper part of the shoe. The skin is then sewn or tied with cordage to form the toe cap, lacing system, and other intricate details that are typical of Gwich'in footwear.

Gwich'in people have long been skilled at creating textiles from animal hides, a practice that has allowed them to maintain a distinct cultural identity in the northwestern parts of Canada and Alaska. The making of Tohe shoes requires great patience, skill, and attention to detail. It is considered a significant part of Gwich'in cultural heritage, with new generations often learning the traditional techniques and methods of making Tohe through hands-on apprenticeships.

The use of Tohe is an essential part of the daily lives of many Gwich'in individuals, particularly in rural and remote areas where these shoes provide insulation, warmth, and protection from the elements. Given the importance of Tohe in Gwich'in culture, its traditional craftsmanship is preserved through the documentation and transmission of these skills from one generation to the next.