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Crow Beaded Buffalo Hide Moccasins, Geometric Vamp
Crow, northern Plains
1880
Buffalo hide, glass beads, sinew
Length 10.2" (25.9 cm)
Provenance: Private collection, Montana
Crow moccasins of the late 19th century are distinguished by the bold geometric beadwork covering the vamp, the compositions consistent with a Crow decorative tradition that favored strong color contrasts and clearly defined geometric forms. The tall hide upper, worn folded down at the ankle, is characteristic of Crow footwear construction of the period, the extra height providing protection in the brushy terrain of the northern Plains and mountain foothills that formed the heart of Crow territory. Buffalo hide construction sinew-sewn throughout follows the standard method for Crow moccasin production, the materials and technique producing a durable and flexible footwear well suited to the demands of daily outdoor use.
This pair retains the tall buffalo hide upper with polychrome geometric beadwork across the vamp in multiple colors on a dark ground, sinew-sewn with the construction consistent throughout. The worn surface of the upper reflects sustained use before the pair entered the Montana collection, consistent with moccasins that functioned as active footwear rather than ceremonial objects kept in storage. Provenance traces to a private collection in Montana.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Crow, northern Plains
1880
Buffalo hide, glass beads, sinew
Length 10.2" (25.9 cm)
Provenance: Private collection, Montana
Crow moccasins of the late 19th century are distinguished by the bold geometric beadwork covering the vamp, the compositions consistent with a Crow decorative tradition that favored strong color contrasts and clearly defined geometric forms. The tall hide upper, worn folded down at the ankle, is characteristic of Crow footwear construction of the period, the extra height providing protection in the brushy terrain of the northern Plains and mountain foothills that formed the heart of Crow territory. Buffalo hide construction sinew-sewn throughout follows the standard method for Crow moccasin production, the materials and technique producing a durable and flexible footwear well suited to the demands of daily outdoor use.
This pair retains the tall buffalo hide upper with polychrome geometric beadwork across the vamp in multiple colors on a dark ground, sinew-sewn with the construction consistent throughout. The worn surface of the upper reflects sustained use before the pair entered the Montana collection, consistent with moccasins that functioned as active footwear rather than ceremonial objects kept in storage. Provenance traces to a private collection in Montana.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.