**First Time At Auction**

Native American, Western United States, Sioux tribe, ca. late 19th century CE. A beautiful example of traditional glass beadwork adorning a large hide knife sheath. The front of the hide is entirely covered with beadwork in hues of pink, cobalt, white, turquoise, green, yellow, and white. The upper third of the sheath is comprised of vertical bands of lane stitched beads to create a geometric pattern. The lower half is adorned with lane stitching in lengthy rows that outline the shape of the knife blade. Knives were prized possessions that were worn around the neck or waist in such sheathes. Ornate sheaths were also invaluable, not only pouches but status symbols with beadwork that contained personal signs of the owner or the tribe. Size of sheath: 9" L x 2.375" W (22.9 cm x 6 cm); case: 8.875" L x 1.5" W x 10.785" H (22.5 cm x 3.8 cm x 27.4 cm)

Provenance: ex-Stein collection, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA, acquired prior to 2010

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#164313

Fraying and unraveling to beadwork threads with losses of beads. Discoloration and staining of leather, with cracking and weathering. Displayed in modern wood and glass case.