Native American art soared at Hindman’s Sept. 17 sale

Pair of matched Cheyenne beaded hide possible bags, $31,250

CINCINNATI – On September 17, Hindman Auctions’ Native American Art auction achieved more than $1 million. Strong engagement with beadwork, pottery and textiles drove remarkable results.

The sale saw an outstanding sell-through rate of 93% and competitive bidding activity was seen throughout. Property from the collection of Michelle Smith of Washington, D.C.; the Mark and Linda Miller collection; and the collection of Bruce and Claire Montgomerie saw fantastic bidding engagement.

“We were absolutely thrilled to see the enthusiasm of the collecting community towards the sale,” said Hindman’s Director of Native American Art Danica Farnand. “A particularly exciting lot, and a favorite of mine, were the Cheyenne possible bags. They are in near perfect condition and the color pallet used is stunning.”

Ute beaded mountain lion hide bowcase and quiver, $22,500

That matched pair of late 19th-century Cheyenne beaded hide possible bags emerged as the top lot of the auction, selling for $31,250, more than triple the presale estimate. The bags are sinew sewn and beaded using colors of red white-heart, medium blue, greasy yellow, dark blue and white. They were previously on view at the Heard Museum in Phoenix Arizona in 2017. Another beadwork highlight was a Ute beaded mountain lion hide bowcase and quiver, which sold for a strong price of $22,500.

Arapaho drawing from the Vincent Price Ledger Book, $25,000

Other top lots included an Arapacho drawing from the Vincent Price Ledger Book, which realized $25,000, more than double its presale estimate. The drawing depicts a warrior on horseback with a lance, charging a U.S. solder.

Navajo first phase silver and turquoise concha belt, $22,500

A Navajo first phase silver and turquoise concha belt sold for $22,500 against a presale estimate of $8,000-$12,000. An Anishinaabe birchbark canoe soared past its presale estimate of $1,000-$1,500, ultimately selling for $12,500. A Zia polychrome pottery olla decorated with birds more than doubled its presale estimate, achieving $13,750.

Rugs also earned top prices. A 19th-century Navajo Late classic moki pattern rug exceeded its presale estimate of $14,000-$18,000, selling for $20,000. Two Navajo late classic rugs also achieved fantastic prices, selling for $11,875 and $11,250, respectively.

View top auction results on LiveAuctioneers here: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/pages/recent-auction-sales/