Pattern from the Plains | A Private Collection of Native American Artefacts

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^{A Native American beaded pictorial strip (£400-600)}

The collection of almost one hundred lots comprises artefacts from across the breadth of the North American cultures, including Blackfoot, Plateau, Cree, and Sioux, amongst many others. Although quillwork, parfleche and a ‘bear claw’ necklace all feature, the assemblage is mostly made up of beaded items from the Northern Plains of the United States and Canada, including vests, moccasins, ornamental strips, tent decoration, bags and ceremonial wear, demonstrating the sheer versatility of Native American beadwork and the importance the technique plays in the art of these cultures.

^{A Native American 'bear claw' necklace (£1,200-2,000)}

Beads of various types, including shells, seeds, bones and stones, have been used by Native American cultures since the beginning of time, however, it is with the introduction of Italian glass beads by Europeans in the 15th century, that they really became a staple of their artistic identity. Since there was no currency exchange at the time, they traded animal skins, furs and meat for beaded necklaces and other goods, and these widely replaced, or were combined with, dyed porcupine quills for the decoration of finer clothing. The patterns and designs used in beadwork hold clues to their origin; for example, the Lake Indians favoured flowered designs, and the Sioux or Plains Indians created repeating patterns of small geometric designs, such as those seen on lots 326 and 333 in the present offering.

^{A Native American Plains beaded man's shirt (£600-800)}

Other highlights as chosen by the vendor include lot 293, a Blackfoot beaded man’s shirt, lot 312, a pair of Ojibwe Woodlands mittens from the James Hooper collection, and lot 345, a brilliant blue Northern Plains or Plateau beaded vest. In terms of rarity and uniqueness, they also mention lot 311, an Ojibwe grass dancer’s outfit, with pictorial horse motif and brightly coloured florals on a white ground. After persistently collecting for the best part of a lifetime, the time has come to create some space and sell these and many other incredibly intricate pieces, which are so rare to see in such numbers on the British market today. Sworders are sure that they will pique the interest of existing enthusiasts of Native American culture and new collectors alike, continuing the appreciation of this wonderful art form well into the future.

^{A pair of Native American beaded hide moccasins (£600-800)}

Tuesday 10 & Wednesday 11 September

fineinteriors@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778

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