Juniper Breez: Inspired by Plains Ancestral History aka Old Ways
Juniper Breez was created as a path to reconnect with our ancestors. My late maternal grandmother Josephine Roy Takeuchi's cherished works were lovingly kept in a Samsonite silhouette train case on the bedroom dresser in her home kept safe by her surviving husband Hideo James Takeuchi. It was not like anything seen in stores or everyday life. It held jewelry, strung necklaces, a breastplate, all handmade with cowrie shells, hair pipes, horsehair, brass well preserved and embodying her spirit. The living room displayed more stories: Framed photos of Ponca relatives in full regalia, standing proud. Another wall framed swan carvings by my Nisei great-grandmother— created while unjustly incarcerated in the Japanese Concentration camps—carrying a quiet strength. My grandparents' home served as a focal point for our family history and a symbol of resilience.
Since 2010, I've been a nurse, and also worked solely as a makeup artist for six years. Amid long hours, unpredictable schedules, the pandemic, and mourning close relatives, I craved more control over my work and narrative. Highlighting and empowering people of color and their voices are now my daily practice.
The journey started with one item: The Breastplate.
Began looking at the items in my inherited Samsonite train case and decided to deconstruct and repurpose brass, leather, and hairpipes. With the knowledge human anatomy I decided the breastplate should have a distinct clavicle, sternum, ten true and false ribs, and two floating ribs. Inspired by David Bowie’s hit Modern Love, the piece dances between structure and freedom, connection and independence, heart and armor. Modern Love became a homage to the complexities of the human form and spirit. It went on to win first place at the 2024 LA County Fair.
Old Ways- Learning Through Hairpipe Beads
Hairpipe beads are the iconic long tubular beads seen in breastplates, chokers, and regalia across the Plains. Originally made from conch shell, they were fragile and often broke in use. Around 1880, bone hairpipes replaced shell, a stronger, more durable, and easier to trade.
Ponca Chief White Eagle personally requested hairpipes from traders, ensuring his people could access these materials. Traders like Joseph H. Sherburne then worked with manufacturers to create tubular bone hair pipes from cattle leg bones. These bone hairpipes became essential to Plains adornment, allowing for larger breastplates and complex designs that reflected status, responsibility, and identity.
The Role of Societies
Among the Ponca and other Plains tribes, societies and defined community life. Different groups had distinct duties and corresponding:
Horse societies: Managed horses, mounted ceremonies, and maintained horse medicine. Members often wore breastplates and decorated horse gear.
Warrior societies: Maintained protection and order; breastplates indicated bravery and rank.
Women’s societies: Crafted beadwork, quillwork, and clothing, techniques through generations.
Adornments were never purely decorative — it is a form of identity, social role, and family heritage. Hairpipes often paired with beads, quillwork, and ribbons, connecting material, meaning, and maker.
Why This History Matters
Understanding the history of hairpipes and the origin stories of mateirals of each piece created are hand made and, intentional. We Honor:
Trade networks that brought materials across vast distances
The leadership of Chief White Eagle, who ensured access to quality hairpipes
Societal roles and the cultural meaning of adornment
Breastplates and hairpipes are more than objects. They are stories of innovation, resilience, and identity passed down through generations.
Tradition woven into Modern Design
At Juniper Breez, we emcompass:
Storytelling reflecting our heritage
Sustainable materials and methods
Handmade, intentional medicine
Motifs, adornments, & offerings by Juniper Breez are tied to heritage, ancestors, and resilience.
