Native American, Western United States, Plains Tribes, likely Arapaho or Lakota (Sioux), ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A pair of well-worn hide moccasins with a cross-shape beaded on the toes which symbolizes the four cardinal directions and seasons. Written on the right sole is a cryptic note in black ink, parts of the handwriting are indiscernible, but it begins with some European sounding men's names followed by the date "Feb 19, 1902" and "Worn by an Indian" (illegible name) "who committed suicide" (illegible words) and another name "Valentine" (illegible surname). We do not have additional information about the veracity of the date or know when this note was recorded. Size (both the same): 10.5" L x 3.75" W x 4" H (26.7 cm x 9.5 cm x 10.2 cm)

Please note this item falls under the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act and is not eligible for international shipping. Native American, Alaska Native, & Native Hawaiian objects are only eligible to ship within the United States.

Provenance: private Reinsmoen collection, Clear Lake, Iowa, USA, acquired through descent from Robert Anderson, acquired prior to 2000

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#185035

Heavily used, very stiff leather. Dark discoloration and staining. Beading is well preserved with only a few missing beads. Partically discernable note with date written in ink on the sole of right one.