Plateau Beaded Wool Dress 

thread-sewn wool with strips of beaded hide along shoulders using glass bead colors of pink, pea green, light blue, greasy yellow, and red white-heart; rows of cowrie shells decorate upper portion of the dress; red wool and brass domed buttons outline neckline; the dress is further embellished with sequins, length 48.5 in. x chest 50 in. Also included is a beaded leather belt with bifurcated end, length 52 in.
ca 1900

Illustrated:
Jennys, Susan. 19th Century Plains Indian Dresses. (2004:73, fig. 4.20)

Wool has some scattered moth damage; areas of dress are machine-sewn; beadwork along arms are on commercially tanned hide. 

Consignor History: Dress was purchased from Sherwoods Spirit of America - reports that the dress was given to the Tingley family of Oklahoma, who were financial backers of the Buffalo Bill Shows during the late 19th century. The family received a large group of items, presumably including the dress, from the Buffalo Bill Shows on account of debt between 1910 and 1920.  The dress was inherited by a Tingley daughter, who sold it.  Subsequent owners include Oscar Branson, Santa Fe, NM; Joe Eason, Houston, TX; Dewey Galleries, Ltd. Santa Fe, NM; Morningstar Gallery Santa Fe NM.

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