Oklahoma Territory Gauntlets

Gauntlets with beaded edging on both sides, bird on one and "OKLA" on reverse. These gauntlets were most likely produced between 1880 - 1900 before Oklahoma became a state, during the Great Land Rush between 1889 - 1895. Much used; if they could tell a story…The United States Cavalry riders wore gauntlet gloves as part of their uniform, introducing the clothing style to plains tribes who turned the gloves into spectacular works of art with painstaking beadwork. As skilled horsemen, Sioux and other plains tribes took great pride in their horses and often wore symbols that celebrated their warrior and rider status, such as these gauntlets. Western cowboys and rodeo performers adopted the beaded gauntlets made by Native People into their fancy wear.