Relics of the American West: 1850-1920
Lot 2066:
Description
This striking set showcases the vibrant artistry of the Plains tribes, likely reflecting late 19th to early 20th-century craftsmanship. The set includes a large, fully beaded knife sheath featuring a classic geometric “mountain” or “step” motif in green, red, and blue against a clean white seed bead ground, accented by a row of metallic tin cones and red horsehair tassels. Accompanying it is a matching cylindrical awl case (complete with its original wooden awl) featuring banded beadwork and similar tin cone terminations. The pieces are constructed on traditional brain-tanned buckskin, which remains supple. Both items are in excellent vintage condition with no bead loss evident; some oxidation is present on the tin cones and the horsehair shows expected age-related thinning. Sheath: H 12″, W 4″, D 1″. Awl Case: H 15″, W 1″, D 1″. Please see photos for condition.
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