**First Time At Auction**

Native American, Western United States, Plains tribes, ca. early 20th century CE. A gorgeous leather and fur sheath with decorative glass and bone beadwork. The sheath is made from dark leather with a seam up one side to create a pocket for the knife. The front side is adorned with hundreds of seed beads in hues of blue, cobalt, red, yellow, green, while, and pink that create a border around a painted stippled pattern. A tassel attached to the tip is strung with a polished deer bone bead, metal jingle cones, and striped chevron trade beads. Surrounding the opening rim is a sleek strip of deer fur and leather straps for suspension. The sheath holds an antique knife with a long, Bowie-type knife made from steel with a slightly curved tip and a wooden grip riveted to the tang. Knives were invaluable weapons and tools for many tribes. Beautiful sheaths such as this example were created to house the prized possession and the intricate beadwork would show off personal or tribal symbols of importance. This is truly a vibrant and beautiful example replete with a wicked looking knife. Size of sheath: 9" L x 2.25" W (22.9 cm x 5.7 cm); knife: 11.75" L x 1.2" W (29.8 cm x 3 cm)

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

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#163690

Sheath is in good condition. Some discoloration and cracking to leather. Fading of painted pigments. Beads are well preserved and tightly attached. Surface pitting and heavy patina on the blade. Loss and chip to wood grip and tang. Knife has nice signs of age and use.