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  NATIVE AMERICAN BEADED BLANKET STRIP, BUFFALO HIDE, NORTHERN CHEYENNE OR LAKOTA SIOUX, WESTERN MONTANA / EASTERN MINNESOTA, LAST QUARTER 19TH CENTURY
Dimensions (inches): Frame - 10.75" x 74.5", Strip - 2.5" x 66.5"
Description:
Blanket strips were a decorative element of Native Americans living in the Northern Plains of the American West. Originally intended to be stitched over the seam where two Buffalo skins were joined for the making of a robe, they continued to be produced after hides were replaced by trade blankets. Fancifully adorned with either beadwork or dyed porcupine quill, in the latter function, they were simply sewn to the blanket as a traditional means of decoration.

Dating to the last quarter of the 19th century, this particular blanket strip is beaded in red, white, and blue and very finely made. The work is attributable to either the Northern Cheyenne or Lakota Sioux Indians, each part of the Algonquin speaking nations, who were aligned at one time and inhabited what is now Eastern Montana and Western Minnesota. The design features four rosettes with pinwheel-style arrangements of triangular, arrowhead-like shapes, interspersed with blue dots. At either end, and between the rosettes, is another geometric pattern that may be intended to represent a stream with stepping stones and rows of teepees on either side. The work was completed on Buffalo hide, which is typical of the form, expertly done and especially attractive. The use of these specific colors makes the object desirable in market for early patriotic objects and American folk art, as well as Native American decorative arts.

Mounting: The strip was mounted and framed within our own conservation department, which is led by expert trained staff. We take great care in the mounting and preservation of early flags and related textiles and have framed thousands of examples.

The strip has been hand-stitched to a background of 100% cotton twill, black in color, that has been washed and treated for color fastness. The mount was placed in a two-part frame that consists of a step-down profile molding, dark brown in color, nearly black, with reddish undertones and highlights, to which a flat profile molding, with a finish like old gunmetal, was added as a liner. The glazing is U.V. protective acrylic.

Condition: Excellent. There are no significant condition issues.
   
Primary Color: red, white, blue
Earliest Date: 1870
Latest Date: 1890,s
For Sale Status: Available
Price $7,500
E-mail: info@jeffbridgman.com
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