Relics of the American West: 1850-1920 - ONLINE ONLY
Lot 2510:
Description
This exceptional pair of late 19th-century Native American beaded cuffs represents a classic example of Transmontane (Plateau/Crow) geometric artistry. Hand-stitched onto brain-tanned hide, the vibrant motifs are rendered in irregularly shaped seed beads, a hallmark of pre-1920s trade beads. The palette features highly desirable “greasy” yellow, cobalt, and sky blue set against a stark white field, utilizing lane-stitch and contour-stitch techniques characteristic of the Nez Perce or Crow tribes. These pieces served as significant ceremonial regalia, likely for a horseman or dancer. Objectively, the cuffs exhibit a rich, authentic patina; the hide has darkened and stiffened with age, and there is minor, expected bead loss along the perimeters and original leather ties. H 7″, W 2.75″, D 2.75″ Please see photos.
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