Sioux Ghost Dance Shield

Sioux Ghost Dance shield. Brain tanned cover with parfleche rawhide shield. The cover shows a red circle at center with a black thin line outlining the edge about an inch from the outside. The cover is pieced together with sinew sewing, showing a red border with a five point morning star in yellow, and a large crescent half-moon in red. All paint is mineral pigment, ochre coloring. Brain tanned ties surround the Half-Moon. Inner rawhide parfleche displays the desired old patina. Documentation includes a letter from Dennis L. Gahagen dated 3/12/2013, noting likely Ghost Dance circa 1896-1910. Gahagen states, “star represents Morning Star, the half moon and red inner circle represents the earth. Replacement feathers for original eagle feathers.” Peterson’s 1993-94 entry #34 noted as, “34 Plains hide war shield- red and yellow w/ feathers #205. Dunnings. Shield is 1890-1910. Cover is later. 16"D. Ex. Peterson, Gahagen, and Cooper collections.