Early Sioux Beaded Blanket Strip, Circa 1870

Sioux Tribe

Item 2608

This is an exceptional Sioux beaded blanket strip, circa 1870. Four round elements each centered with a Maltese cross are spaced evenly between five designs comprised of three triangular elements. Each of the round designs have two, twisted hide strips with red ocher and, in some cases, brass beads. There are remnants of red and yellow silk ribbons. The predominant bead is white. The round designs have dark blue and red with white hearts. The triangular elements are made of dark blue, light blue, green and red with white hearts. The beads are all sewn onto the buffalo hide with sinew. This beaded strip would have once been attached to a large blanket.

Please reach out if you would like to have me send you high resolution photos – the ones uploaded to this site are weak in resolution.