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Osage War Shield Polychrome Painted c. 1860-1870

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:7,500.00 - 15,000.00 USD
Osage War Shield Polychrome Painted c. 1860-1870
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This is a rare Southern Plains war shield attributed to the Osage Indians of Oklahoma and dating to circa 1860-1870’s. According to Bailey and Swan in “Art of the Osage” (2004), Osage shields were strictly used in battle and were never used in dances or ceremonies, not even during the reservation period. The Osage revered their war shields, more so than any other tribe; with each design and painted motif, adornments meaning something special to the owner. This extraordinary example is made of thinned cut Buffalo parfleche hide sewn together and wetted and stretched over a bent twig frame. The original arm strap is still intact but is in fragile condition. The shield shows some staining and wear from age and use. The piece shows mineral pigment polychrome painted with symbols in colors such as yellow, green, blue and red in black borders which is consistent of other documented art styles found on authentic, period correct Osage shields utilizing designs in concentric circles and flaring war paths. A few examples of Osage shields using motifs with concentric circles in the center are included digitally for comparison. At the center of the shield and the concentric design shows a drop of hair with hide lacing which is thought to be human hair. Flanking the hair drop at the center shows two trade clothe strips tied on and a strip of old green and white stripped trade clothe is attached at the top edge of the shield, an old style seen on many Osage Tomahawk handles, shields and peace pipe handles. Provenance: Collected in the late 1940’s directly from the Osage family at Pawhuska, Oklahoma which is the heart of the Osage Nation. From the ec-collection of Forest Fenn and Mark Francis. This is truly a fine authentic war shield showing very well-preserved condition with honest patina and wear. The shield measures overall 19 ½ inches across.