Likely Northern Plains
The eagle displays a confident, bold graphic quality with beautifully balanced wings and a surprisingly expressive head.
Please click on images to expand.
A late reservation/trading post period beaded vest showing bold patriotic imagery, especially the spread-wing eagle and crossed American flags which are characteristic of the period following the Centennial and the Spanish-American War, when such motifs became popular among Plains and Plateau bead workers producing items for Native use as well as the growing curio market.
The workmanship is quite good. The field of turquoise (“greasy blue”) seed beads is particularly attractive, and the tight, lane-stitched beadwork has survived remarkably well. The wool lining, red binding, and hide tie closures are all consistent with quality reservation-period construction.
Constructed on a wool foundation and retaining its original wool lining, the vest is completely covered with finely executed lane-stitched glass seed beads against a vibrant turquoise ground.
The reverse features a dramatic patriotic composition centered by a spread-wing American eagle and crossed United States flags before a shield emblazoned with red and white stripes, all rendered in finely shaded white, black, cobalt blue, red, and translucent turquoise beads. The front is ornamented with traditional geometric motifs, while alternating blue and white beaded edging decorates the shoulders and sides. Original red binding frames the vest throughout, and hide ties remain at the interior.
Patriotic imagery became increasingly popular among Plains bead workers during the late nineteenth century, reflecting the complex cultural relationship between Native communities and the United States during the Reservation era. Combining traditional geometric design with unmistakable national symbolism, this vest represents an appealing example of Native artistic adaptation during the height of the trading post period.
A colorful and visually compelling example of Native American beadwork that displays beautifully
Item Date: Circa 1930
Measurement: 22.5" x 18"
Material: Glass seed beads on commercial wool cloth with wool lining, red binding, and hide tie closures.
Item Condition: Outstanding original condition
Price: $2,300
SKU 346-100
For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com.