Native American, Western United States, probably Sioux tribe, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A charming doll made of buckskin, horsehair, and rabbit fur with lovely glass and shell beading accentuating her clothing and face. The wooden poles of the tipi (also teepee or tepee) are wrapped with a cotton cover that is further decorated with intricate beadwork. The doll depicts a woman that perhaps belongs to the Sioux people. She wears traditional beaded moccasins, a fringed dress decorated with a band of white, blue, and yellow beading across her shoulders, and sports dozens of additional beads as well as small tassels on the skirt. A belt around her waist contains a beaded knife sheath and pouch. Her neck is adorned with an abalone pendant, and large dangling earrings are also made of abalone and glass beads. She has a simple face and a coiffure created with braided horsehair and rabbit fur. Dolls were a traditional toy that were used to communicate tribal customs and traditions to children. Both pieces beautifully exemplify the importance of beadwork in Sioux culture. Size of tipi: 7.5" W x 12" H (19 cm x 30.5 cm); doll: 10.75" L x 6" W (27.3 cm x 15.2 cm)

Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection

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#163255

Staining and discoloration to cloth surfaces. A pole on tipi is broken into two pieces. Losses to beaded tassels on tipi. Losses to hair on doll. Cracking and discoloration and staining of leather. Beading on doll is in excellent condition.