Relics of the American West: 1850-1920 - ONLINE ONLY
Lot 2508:
Description
These striking leggings, identified by the collection tag as Blackfoot and originating from the J.D. Allen collection, represent a wonderful piece of Indigenous Plains-style artistry. Based on the provenance of John Delbert Allen (1851–1947), a renowned Mandan, North Dakota taxidermist and collector who personally knew figures like Sitting Bull, these likely date to the late 19th or early 20th century. Crafted from sturdy brown cotton cloth—a material that became increasingly common in the Reservation Era—they feature traditional geometric beadwork at the cuffs in vibrant white, deep blue, red, and green seed beads. The addition of small brass hawk bells along the side seams and cuffs adds a rhythmic, auditory element essential for ceremonial dance. The tops are gathered with an elastic-like cinching for wear. Overall, the leggings are in good vintage condition; the beadwork remains largely intact with some minor thread fraying at the edges, and the cotton shows light age-related fading and some internal fiber shedding at the gathered tops as shown in the detail photos. H 18.5″, W 5″. Please see photos.
Share this lot:
