Description:
Sioux Blue Trade Cloth Dress with Dentalium Shell Decoration, c. late 19th century, the sleeves and hem decorated with pieces of the American flag and symbolic designs done with metal sequins and glass beads, includes a commercial leather belt with German silver conchas, (few old repairs, some shell loss),lg. of dress 59 in.
Provenance: The Jerome Arbuckle collection, New York City. A letter is included that states in part: "purchased in 1930 from Mrs. Red Wing, then a celebrity as she was the first (Sioux) American Indian to star in a talking picture. A catalog card stated this dress was presented to Mrs. Red Wing in 1915 by Major Lilly of the Pawnee Bill's Show. Mrs. Red Wing decorated the sleeves and bottom with her own brother's flag, given to her family upon his death in 1917. The flag was in a house fire and the surviving portion was put on this dress as a living memorial."
Estimate $6,000-8,000
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.
Keywords
Lilly, Red Wing, New York CityAmerican Indian & Tribal Art
The American Indian & Ethnographic Art department handles objects of great value and cultural significance with expertise, respect, and a passion for the material.