An Early Seminole Pony Beaded Sash
Seminole
First half 19th century | Wool, Cotton, Glass Beads | Item 1509
Late 18th to early 19th Century Finger Woven Sash, likely Seminole
Belt portion is 20.5 by 4”, total length with tassels is 82”
A chief likely had this sash as a part of his attire since it is such a fine and ornate example. Seven of the nine Seminole portraits in McKenney-Hall show fingerwoven sashes all worn by chiefs.
This sash is woven with two colors, red and green. The red is wool and the green is cotton and both yarns are three plied. The dyes have not been tested, but the red is likely cochineal and the green a mixture of indigo with natural yellow dye. White pony beads are woven into the sash mostly shaped as diamond designs, or part diamonds, and also line the tassels the entire length. There are six tassels that end in a small pompom.