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Cheyenne Beaded Buffalo Hide Moccasins, Yellow Ground
Cheyenne, southern Plains
1870s
Buffalo hide, glass beads, sinew, recycled parfleche soles
Length 10 1/4" (26 cm)
Provenance: Jim Jeter, Santa Barbara, CA
Cheyenne moccasins of the 1870s represent the pre-reservation period of most active production, the bold geometric beadwork on saturated color grounds characteristic of the southern Cheyenne decorative tradition at its most fully developed. The yellow or greasy yellow ground, produced by applying grease to the hide surface before beading, is a specific Cheyenne convention that gives this pair its distinctive warm tone and distinguishes it from the white or blue ground moccasins more commonly associated with northern Plains production. The recycled parfleche soles, cut from painted rawhide storage envelopes, reflect the Cheyenne practice of repurposing durable materials to extend the life of well-made objects.
This pair is densely beaded across the vamp in polychrome geometric patterning in multiple colors against the greasy yellow ground, with geometric border bands at the edges and the recycled parfleche sole visible beneath. The construction is sinew-sewn throughout, the beadwork consistent and dense, and the worn hide upper reflects a pair that saw active use before entering the Jeter collection. Provenance traces to Jim Jeter of Santa Barbara, California.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Cheyenne, southern Plains
1870s
Buffalo hide, glass beads, sinew, recycled parfleche soles
Length 10 1/4" (26 cm)
Provenance: Jim Jeter, Santa Barbara, CA
Cheyenne moccasins of the 1870s represent the pre-reservation period of most active production, the bold geometric beadwork on saturated color grounds characteristic of the southern Cheyenne decorative tradition at its most fully developed. The yellow or greasy yellow ground, produced by applying grease to the hide surface before beading, is a specific Cheyenne convention that gives this pair its distinctive warm tone and distinguishes it from the white or blue ground moccasins more commonly associated with northern Plains production. The recycled parfleche soles, cut from painted rawhide storage envelopes, reflect the Cheyenne practice of repurposing durable materials to extend the life of well-made objects.
This pair is densely beaded across the vamp in polychrome geometric patterning in multiple colors against the greasy yellow ground, with geometric border bands at the edges and the recycled parfleche sole visible beneath. The construction is sinew-sewn throughout, the beadwork consistent and dense, and the worn hide upper reflects a pair that saw active use before entering the Jeter collection. Provenance traces to Jim Jeter of Santa Barbara, California.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.