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Native American Beadwork

Self-adornment is important to many Native American tribes. Traditionally, Native Americans decorated garments with porcupine quills, feathers, animal hair and plant-based dyes. With the introduction of European trade, traditional hand drilled beads made from stone, bone and shell were soon replaced with glass beads in red, yellow, blue, and white. The visual enhancement of clothing and horse gear has remained a strong part of Native American culture to this day. Cisco’s collection of antique Native American beadwork includes moccasins, pipe bags, flat bags, bandolier bags, tipi bags, gauntlets, cradle boards, fetishes, martingales and more. Much of the collection is from the Great Plains and Plateau regions and dates to the late 19th Century, early 20th Century.
  • Apache War Shirt, Native, Garment, Shirt

    Apache War Shirt

    $40,000

    Mid 19th century Western Apache war shirt of brain tanned mountain lion hide, perforated for ventilation showing an eight point star, fringed and p...

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  • Plateau Gauntlets, Native, Garment, Gauntlets

    Plateau Gauntlets

    $2,200

    Large cuff Plateau gauntlets beaded with greasy yellows and floral motif. Circa 1900. Cuffs 9" x 16" plus 3"W fringePERIOD: Early 20th CenturyORIGI...

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  • Plateau Martingale, Native, Horse Gear, Martingale

    Plateau Martingale

    $5,500

    Plateau beaded martingale with geometric design, fringe and bells.PERIOD: Late 19th Century ORIGIN: Washington, United StatesSIZE: 38"L x 16 1/4"W