Relics of the American West: 1850-1920 - ONLINE ONLY
Lot 2442:
Description
This exquisite collection of Plains-style beadwork showcases the meticulous craftsmanship of late 19th to early 20th-century indigenous artisans. The lot includes two pairs of child-sized moccasins and one larger single adult moccasin, all featuring traditional seed bead embroidery on brain-tanned buckskin. The pair of high-top booties displays vibrant green, red, and white geometric patterns typical of Lakota (Sioux) or Arapaho design; the use of “Greasy Yellow” and “White-Heart Red” beads is a classic indicator of this era. The smaller pair utilizes deep ochre and black “lazy stitch” techniques, a hallmark of Central Plains tribes where beads are sewn in parallel “lanes.” The single adult moccasin features a hardened rawhide sole, indicating it was designed for the rugged terrain of the Plains, and bears historical inventory numbering. Overall, the beadwork remains remarkably intact with minimal loss; the leather shows expected stiffening, light staining, and age-related wear consistent with genuine ethnographic artifacts. Boots: H 33.75″, W 2.5″, D 6.25″; Small Shoes: H 2″, W 2.5″, D 7″; Single Moccasin: H 2″, W 3.25″, D 8″. Please see photos.
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