A very nice circa 1880's-1890 fully beaded bridle with bright designs of stripes and steps done in blue, yellow and red on a white field. The crossover face drop features a heart with a yellow cross. Brow and nose bands are connected with silk ribbon decorations and copper conchos. The silk edge binding has worn. Featured in the book "Horses and Bridles of the American Indians"ù under the banner Lakota Beaded Bridles. From the book: "Beaded bridle with Cross Straps, Canvas, glass beads, silk edge binding, brass bosses. With loss of their buffalo herds, Lakota artists were forced to substitute canvas for the former use of leather in everything from tipi covers, to this rare bridle construction."ù One of the more intricate and detailed beaded bridles we have seen. Comes on a custom made stand.



Shown: Horses and Bridles of the American Indians" by Mike Cowdrey & Ned & Jody Martin; page 123, figures 6.46.