Nez Perce Buckskin Horse Mantle

1930s Nez Perce horse mantle shaped form a length of buckskin with a cloth underlayer. The rectangular cloth features a light tan hue, beautifully complemented by colorful glass beading of elaborate geometric motifs. Featuring vibrant tones from orange to violet, the beading forms a square panel at each end, both comprised of an eight-pointed star encompassed by a border of nested triangles, as well as a thick band down one long periphery panel, creating elongated tassels that move and sway with ease when jostled, likely intended to accentuate the movement of the horse during a ceremony or procession. This dramatic movement would be even more accentuated by the lustrous sheen produced by each bead when it catches the sunlight. Some minor tears and pulls and light staining not distracting. Great preservation of beaded embroidery. Metal ring at one end for attachment.