Native American, Western United States, Cheyenne, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A leather knife sheath with stunning glass beadwork that holds a wood and steel knife. The sheath is made of rawhide in a traditional style with hundreds of hand sewn seed beads on the frontside. The top half contains geometric patterns of red, blue, yellow, green, and black on a white ground. Below is a blue ground with a yellow, black, and green pattern that outlines the shape of the knife blade. The verso is bare, and a leather strap is tied to the top for suspension. Included is an antique knife with great signs of age; the steel blade is slightly curved from heavy use. The tang is covered with a wooden grip inlaid with a decorative brass plate. Native American knife sheaths were intricately beaded to show off these tribal or personalized symbols of the owner. Size of sheath: 7.125" L x 2.125" W (18.1 cm x 5.4 cm); knife: 9.75" L x 1" W (24.8 cm x 2.5 cm)

Provenance: ex-private Chicago, Illinois, USA collection, acquired in the 1980's

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#163689

Staining and discoloration to beads and leather. Some strands of beading are not tightly sewn, but not in danger of unraveling. Blade is worn down as shown. Stable fissures along wood and tang. Age and use expected surface wear and weathering on blade and handle. Heavy green patina on rivets.