Relics of the American West: 1850-1920
Lot 2003:
Description
This late 19th-century Arapaho knife sheath is an exceptional example of Plains Indian beadwork from the Reservation period. Hand-stitched onto a brain-tanned leather substrate, the piece features a vibrant geometric motif executed in “greasy” yellow, sky blue, rose, and dark blue seed beads—a palette highly characteristic of Arapaho aesthetics from the 1880s. The construction utilizes traditional sinew or early cotton thread, tapering to a terminal accent of three metal cone tinklers and dyed red bird feathers. Such pieces were highly prized personal items, often reflecting the status and tribal identity of the owner. The sheath is in excellent antique condition for its age; the leather exhibits expected darkening and minor stiffening, while the beadwork remains remarkably well-preserved with only light surface soiling and characteristic brittle texture to the red feathers. H 9″, W 1.75″, D 0.5″ Please see photos.
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