|
ORIGINAL NORTHERN PLAINS
PIPE BAG - BEAUTIFUL SINEW
SEWN BEADED DESIGNS ON BOTH SIDES - EXCELLENT CONDITION:
A very striking example of the beaded art of the
Northern Plains, this full sized Pipe Bag features vivid
colored designs applied to both sides a different, but
complimentary design on each side. The bags design
incorporates a departure from the usual beadwork over a
quilled panel; this bag has six beaded triangular tabs
three facing each side.
All of the beadwork is sinew sewn, having survived in
excellent condition. The beadwork is executed with
exceptionally small beads, typical of the pre-20TH
Century work that was executed in such fine detail.
There are no missing beads and only two loose loops
where one end of the stitch has lifted from the leather
one on each of the single lanes running vertically
along the sides of the upper section of the bag.
The upper section of one side is colored with traces of
blue or green powder paint, with contrasting yellow
powder paint within the red bead bordered triangles.
Conversely, upper section of the opposite side is
painted with the yellow powder paint, and the blue or
green powder paint was applied within the blue and red
bead bordered triangles.
Fashioned of
native brain tanned buckskin, and measuring 31 long
(including the fringe) the body is 16 ½ long and 6
across at the widest point, the triangle shaped tabs are
4 long, and the fringe makes up the remaining 10 ½.
There is also a short decorative fringe where the
leather was rolled back to form the throat of the bag.
The buckskin is still supple and soft, a credit to the
woman who tanned it long ago. There is some crazing on
one side of the upper section where the leather was
soiled and sweat soaked at the point the bag was
gathered in the owners hand to carry, but the leather
is not torn nor is it weakened. There are no other
points of significant wear or damage.
In consideration of the fine beadwork with the
especially small sized beads, the presence of, and color
choices, of the powder paint, and the incorporation of
the triangular tabs, it is distinctly possible this bag
originated with the Southern Cheyenne or Comanche. Very
dramatic in its form, beaded designs, and color choices,
and having survived in excellent condition, this bag
presents very well and it will be a beautiful addition
to your collection.
SOLD
|
