Native American, Central United States, Great Plains Tribes, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A wooden staff with a curved end and metal ornaments that is known as a coup stick for a practice of bravery known as counting coup. The staff has incised linear markings just below the curved tip. A leather cord is twisted and tied from the interior of the staff to the tip of the curved end. Along the leather bands are silk ribbons, metal jingle bells, and a glass piece that looks like a bottle stopper. Some of the metal ornaments include brass buckles, openwork metal pendants with glass beads, and a naja pendant suspended from the top of the staff. Dyed pink goose feathers add a nice pop of color to the tip. Counting coup was performed during warfare, when riders would attempt to touch their enemies with these staffs. The purpose was not to inflict harm, but to simply show their ability to touch the enemy while escaping unharmed - like a taunt. This coup stick has an interesting assortment of traditional native American materials. Size: 38" L x 9" W (96.5 cm x 22.9 cm)

Provenance: Private Glorietta, New Mexico, USA collection

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#160511

Fading and discoloration of fabric ribbons. Minor fraying to ribbons and feathers. Patina on metal areas. Stable fissures and cracks on wood.