Skip to content

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.
  • Bear Claw Necklace, Native, Garment, Accessory
    Save 29%

    Bear Claw Necklace

    Current Price $2,500
    Original Price $3,500
    |
    28.57% off

    Nez Perce bear claw necklace with five large front black bear claws interspersed between glass and brass trade beads on brain tanned thong. Circa 1...

    View full details
  • Plateau Boys Vest, Native, Garment, Vest
    Save 21%

    Plateau Boys Vest

    Current Price $550
    Original Price $700
    |
    21.43% off

    Plateau boy's vest with floral design on front, cowrie shell buttons, shells on back with faceted bead aplica. Brain tanned deer skin, front pocket...

    View full details
  • Osage Cradleboard, Native, Beadwork, Cradleboard
    Save 74%

    Osage Cradleboard

    Current Price $900
    Original Price $3,500
    |
    74.29% off

    Osage (possibly Kaw) cradleboard. This one collected in Oklahoma. A used piece; original cloth lining too soiled to retain.PERIOD: Early 20th Centu...

    View full details
  • Plateau Moccasins, Native, Garment, Moccasins
    Save 43%

    Plateau Moccasins

    Current Price $200
    Original Price $350
    |
    42.86% off

    Plateau moccasins with Indian Chief motif. Beaded horsehair, rabbit fur, brain/smoke tanned. Used but not abused. Display or wearable.PERIOD: Mid 2...

    View full details