Sold For:  or Sign In to see what it's worth.

For auction is a very fine, rare, and striking vintage (ca very early 1900's) beaded EASTERN PLATEAU Blanket Strip circular form that is in very fine condition. This is the real vintage item!! The beadwork is well intact except for some bead loss around the edges which I think was added after the circular form was removed from the original blanket strip and blanket/robe. The beadwork pattern displays a simple yet eye-catching/bold traditional motif of concentric circles that are overlaid by a narrow crisscross. The beadwork is done in the classic rich Nez Perce, Cayuse, or Palouse seed bead colors of Cheyenne pink, ruby red white-hearts, periwinkle blue, white (outline), and translucent lime green. I note that the beads are less than homogeneous and can vary slightly in shape and display an awesome patina (OLD BEADS....Not repro colors!). Also, 3 different cheyenne pink seed beads are used in the project. Eastern Plateau peoples originally owned many blanket strips because these finely composed ceremonial articles were of great importance.

The circular form measures 4"+ across and the beads are sewn with cotton thread in a very old thick guage, coarse canvas. It looks like loose thread and sinew are hanging off-center in the middle of the circle, suggesting that some sort of drop feature hung from the middle of the circle (perhaps ermine hide, hawk bells, buckskin, brass beads or.......??). The beadwork is well done and tight! A visual of the canvas back of the medallion displays serious age!!!!!!!!!!This article WAS NOT made for the tourist market, it was made for and used in ceremony/special events! This fine specimen was secured from a former trading post owner that operated on the Yakama Indian Reservation between the 1950's and 1970's. He purchased and sold many vintage Plateau and Northern Plains Blanket strips.

The age, great condition, fine composition, classic motif, rich set of colors and the important traditional Eastern Plateau Indian use of beaded blanket strips, make this a highly collectable item. Make no mistake, this article was made by a highly accomplished and skilled beadworker. This article will make a fine addition to any serious beadwork or Plateau Indian art/reference collection. I have a low starting price and no minimum reserve for the auction. Don't let this auction get away!!!!!!

Items in the Worthopedia are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.

Flag item for content or copyright.