Plains Indian Earrings, 19th C., Comanche?

Southern Plains, Comanche?

Last quarter 19th century | Shell, Glass Beads | Item 1698

These types of layered earrings might have come from the Southern to the Northern Plains and even possibly the NW interior. This is a style used by many tribes. Comanche is a likely possibility since the original collector purchased these sometime in the 1960 – 1970 in Oklahoma with mostly other Comanche material. It’s this association that makes me name this specific tribe.

This is a highly ornate pair showing two layers of dentalium shells separated by hide that encloses a row of 4 Russian faceted cobalt blue glass beads. The end of each earring displays a beautifully deep coloration of abalone shell with 4 holes at the top to connect. This deep coloration of abalone is often associated with earlier dating. The earrings each have a brass ring at the top, held in place with two Russian faceted beads. The whole system is linked with cotton string. Evidence of (red?) ochre is covering much of the parts. A gentle cleaning has been done, but one could clean further if desired.