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Crow Beaded Belt & Finger Woven Sash c. 1870-1920

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:200.00 USD Estimated At:1,250.00 - 2,250.00 USD
Crow Beaded Belt & Finger Woven Sash c. 1870-1920
This is an interesting and unique belt comprised of a circa 1870-1880's beaded remnant strip adhered to a wide harness saddle leather belt with four (two doubled over) finger-woven Germantown yarn sashes, all originating from the Crow Apsaalooke Indians of Montana. The belt itself is constructed of Indian tanned hide and is sinew sewn with all 1800's period correct glass trade petite cen seed beads in a geometric pattern. It dates to circa 1870-1880's and was likely a remnant from another piece, such as a war shirt or blanket, a common practice amongst Indians. The belt was later adhered to a harness saddle leather thick wide strip for use as a belt at the turn of the century, circa 1890-1920's, and further adorned with a tooled and carved leather ammo pouch/pouch and two (double over to four) hand finger-woven sashes comprised of Germantown yarn in rich colors of blue, red, green, yellow, and natural white. The sash is sewn with a sinew-like wound thread to the leather. The inside of the belt is hand signed five times, likely by family members of inheritance. The belt is adorned with nickel covered solid brass furniture tacks. The early hide belt is secured to the harness leather with hide hoof glue. Provenance: From a very large American Indian collection in Billings, Montana. The belt measures 43.5"L by 4 3/8"W. The belt and sash measure 32"L and the sash is 7"W.