A SIOUX BEADED HIDE KNIFE SHEATH

Details

A SIOUX BEADED HIDE KNIFE SHEATH
Of tapering form, sinew sewn, lazy stitched in blue and translucent red with white heart beads against a yellow ground, decorated with a narrow band border of triangular motifs, enclosing a column of V motifs, the reverse, lazy stitched with a narrow band border in blue and translucent red with white heart beads against a yellow ground decorated with concentric cross motifs alternating with squares, the band enclosing a central design pattern of four pairs of terraced diagonal elements in yellow and translucent red with white heart beads against a blue ground, accented with tin cone suspensions, two fully beaded tassels in similar colors, and a hair drop constructed of a circular hide medallion decorated with applied red wool trade cloth and trimmed in two shades of blue and yellow beads and braided hair
13in. (33.6cm.) long

Lot Essay

Franz Boas in his book, "Primitive Art", defines art as "technical excellence to which is added aesthetics". The knife sheath shown here is such a piece. The artistic beauty and execution of design are outstanding. In addition, the artist has added several touches to an essentially utilitarian piece. The beaded tip drops we have seen in other examples, but the miniature hairlock scalp with it's edge beaded rim is unique and brilliant.

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