Relics of the American West: 1850-1920
Lot 2151:
Description
A striking collection of three distinct Indigenous-style textile pieces, featuring a hand-decorated animal hide and two applique fabric panels displaying characteristic Ainu geometric motifs. The prominent piece is a soft, tanned animal pelt featuring scattered, hand-stitched circular and rectangular geometric glass beadwork in vibrant red, yellow, orange, blue, and green, finished with a fringed lower edge accented by white seed beads and polished cowrie shells. Accompanying the hide are two black wool-blend textile panels—one long runner and one smaller rectangular mat—both meticulously decorated with striking red and cream reverse-applique borders in symmetrical curvilinear aiushi (thorn) and saw-tooth patterns typical of traditional Ainu (kaparamip) design, finished with a purple satin-like edge ribbon. The hide shows natural variations, minor edge curling, and a few loose threads to the beadwork, while the fabric panels exhibit light surface lint, minor edge fraying, and faint creasing from storage, but remain structurally sound with rich color retention. Hide: H 31″, W 23″, D 0.5″. Runner: H 12″, W 41″, D 0.1″. Mat: H 19.5″, W 16″, D 0.1″. Please see photos for condition.
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