Rare Plains Pony, Seed Bead, and Quilled Hide Shirt

Description:

Rare Plains Pony, Seed Bead, and Quilled Hide Shirt, c. mid-19th century, the body of the shirt fringed at the edges and with sides open to the underarm with remnant yellow ochre overall, the cloth-wrapped neck opening with white pony bead decoration, with cloth-lined fringed tabs covered in red trade cloth and pony trader blue, white, white center red, and translucent dark red pony beads; the initials "E.B." (Eugene Burr) are under the front flap, the sleeves with red trade cloth insets, short fringe at cuffs, and pony bead decoration, around the shoulder and down each sleeve is long fringe decorated at the top with white and indigo blue-wrapped quillwork and large pony trader blue pony beads, the sleeves and shoulders decorated with directly applied loom beaded strips with multicolored geometric designs done in seed beads; the shoulder strips terminating with rosettes done in an unusual "spider web" overlay technique, with traces of red pigment on the inside of cuffs, thread-sewn throughout, lg. 29 in.

Provenance: Collected by Eugene Burr between 1855-1857.
Estimate $80,000-120,000


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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