Old West & Native American Auction
Lot 1212:
Description
This intriguing piece appears to be a contemporary or vintage interpretation of a Native American style hair roach drop or dance ornament, sometimes also called a scalplock drop. These items are often attached to a dance roach or worn as an accessory, featuring a long braid of hair, traditionally horse or human, adorned with various materials. This example includes a thick braid of dark horse hair, secured at the top with what looks like rawhide and twine, and decorated with a cluster of various bone and glass trade beads in earth tones (white, tan, blue, turquoise). A prominent feature is the carved bone or antler pendant shaped like a partial animal jaw or stylized fish, suspended from the top. The braid is finished at the bottom with a wrapping of twine and incorporates a brown and tan-tipped feather, likely a turkey feather, into the final strands. The overall condition shows expected signs of handling and age, with slight fraying to the hair ends and twine, and light wear on the beads and pendant, consistent with use in ceremony or display. H 10″, W 3″
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