113

Plains Indian Spirit Stone Historic Artifact RARE

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
Plains Indian Spirit Stone Historic Artifact RARE
This is an exceedingly rare and authentic Spirit Stone from the Northern and Central Plains Native American Indians. The 17th to 19th Century stone shows a figural carved human body shape with various Togia Language carvings covering each side telling a story about a specific Warrior’s life. The piece was examined and authenticated by renowned Togia language and carving expert, Wendell Grangaard of The Guns of History, Inc. The front of the stone is written, “Horse Man – travel – after spirit – travel road – other world” and marked on the back of the stone, “No Looking kill”, which is believed to be telling how the Horse Man died. The top of the head is marked, “Travel Milkyway” and marked on the side “shot dead – mountain” and on the other side Black Hills – many Buffalo – hunt kill Buffalo.” According to Nicholas Black Elk, the keeping of the spirit (known as Wanagi Waicagluhe) was an ancient rite performed by mourners for one year to grieve and celebrate a lost one. When a loved Indian Warrior died a Spirit Stone was made for their spirit to linger among the family and community. This purified the soul along with increasing the love for each member of the family. The Spirit Stone was “fed” every day. After one year, the Spirit in the stone was ceremonially released through the rite of “Wiping the Tears” sending the spirit strengthened for its Great Journey. This possibly the only Spirit Stone Artifact carving ever offered for public sale and is one of the most historic and significant mourning Indian artifacts known to exist with proper documentation. The piece comes with the signed letter describing the piece’s history from Wendell Grangaard along with a detailed illustration showing the markings he has translated. Wendell Grangaard is the foremost knowledge on the Togia language along with the Battle of the Little Bighorn as he is the author of the book, “Documenting the Weapons Used at Little Bighorn” 2015. Wendell was also intricate in the authentication and examination of the historic George Armstrong Custer Captured Sharps Carbine from Chief Black Kettle that sold at auction for $127,000. Comes with documentation including a detailed description authenticating the piece signed by Wendell, along with a illustration showing the togia language carvings drawn. Measures overall 4 3/8”H x 2.75”W x 1.5”D. The value of this piece is unknown as it is the only known to be offered for sale and is truly a rare historic piece.