Relics of the American West: 1850-1920
Lot 2014:
Description
This collection features a striking Great Lakes or Plateau-style seed bead bag, characterized by its vibrant concentric geometric patterns and long multi-colored fringe. While Great Lakes tribes like the Ojibwe are famed for floral motifs, the bold, angular symmetry seen here aligns closely with the “Transmontane” or Plateau style, often shared by groups like the Nez Perce or Crow. The bag is expertly crafted using glass seed beads on a soft buckskin substrate. Accompanying the bag is a unique necklace crafted from dried water caltrop (trapa natans) seed pods—often called “bat nuts” or “devil pods”—which were historically used as protective amulets. The set also includes a pair of beaded “bow” drops featuring white pipe beads and metal dangles, a common decorative element in mid-20th-century regalia. Overall, the items are in good vintage condition; the bag shows light surface soiling and minor leather wear consistent with age, while the beadwork remains largely intact. One pipe bead on the drops shows a minor hairline fracture, and the organic seed pods are stable. Beaded Bag: H 8″, W 4.5″, D 0.5″. Pod Necklace: H 10″, W 8″, D 1″. Bow Drops: H 7″, W 1.5″, D 0.25″. Case not included. Please see photos.
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