89

19th C. Sioux Stylized Cutout Pipe Tomahawk

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:7,000.00 - 9,000.00 USD
19th C. Sioux Stylized Cutout Pipe Tomahawk
The lot features an exceptional 19th Century pipe tomahawk attributed to the Lakota Sioux Indians of South Dakota. The piece was originally collected from the Oglala Sioux at the Pine Ridge Sioux Indian Reservation, owned by the Lilly Dog family. The piece dates to circa 1880 and features a hand-forged iron head with a rare, unique stylized cut out design at the center of the blade. The blade also has three circular brass inlays. The haft is solid hardwood and shows elaborate brass tacking decoration and old hot file brandings. At the bottom, just below the gripping area is a beaded band with a large, beaded drop on thick hide and red stroud trade clothe. The beadwork is all 19th Century period correct glass trade seed beadwork in colors of chalk white, greasy yellow, semi-transparent red, cobalt, butterscotch yellow, and black. The beadwork shows a classic Lakota Sioux beadwork pattern. The head is a classic large, western pattern, as seen with other documented Northern Plains examples, showing a wide blade with small rear facing spur, forged molding at the bottom of the tear drop eye / eyelet hole with tall slender vase pipe bowl atop the forged chevrons and showing impressive ridges. The entire tomahawk has a nice, deep patina from use and some expected minor nicks and dings. The head measures 12 inches in length by 4 inches across the bottom of the blade. Total length of the tomahawk is 24 inches. Provenance: From the Dale Harrison collection of Ohio.