Warm Springs, Columbia Plateau
1920s
Glass beads on cloth backing with hide strap
Height 11 in. (27.9 cm), width 9½ in. (24.1 cm)
Provenance: Private California collection, purchased at Marin show, 2019
Warm Springs beaded bags of this type were produced by women beaders of the Columbia Plateau in the early twentieth century, continuing a tradition of fully beaded flat bags with naturalistic and geometric imagery that developed through the late nineteenth century. This example features a central elk stag rendered in amber and brown tones within a golden circular ground, flanked by tulip and floral elements against a vivid turquoise blue field, with a red bordered edge and arched sky treatment at the top. The composition is bold and centered, with the elk subject indicating possible association with Plateau ceremonial traditions connected to elk imagery.
The beadwork covers the entire front surface in tightly executed lane stitch, with detailed color modeling in the floral forms and confident outlining throughout, consistent with the high technical standard of Columbia Plateau beadwork from this period. Warm Springs Reservation encompasses Sahaptin, Paiute, and other Plateau peoples whose beading traditions share visual vocabularies while maintaining individual community character. From a private California collection acquired at the Marin show in 2019.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Warm Springs, Columbia Plateau
1920s
Glass beads on cloth backing with hide strap
Height 11 in. (27.9 cm), width 9½ in. (24.1 cm)
Provenance: Private California collection, purchased at Marin show, 2019
Warm Springs beaded bags of this type were produced by women beaders of the Columbia Plateau in the early twentieth century, continuing a tradition of fully beaded flat bags with naturalistic and geometric imagery that developed through the late nineteenth century. This example features a central elk stag rendered in amber and brown tones within a golden circular ground, flanked by tulip and floral elements against a vivid turquoise blue field, with a red bordered edge and arched sky treatment at the top. The composition is bold and centered, with the elk subject indicating possible association with Plateau ceremonial traditions connected to elk imagery.
The beadwork covers the entire front surface in tightly executed lane stitch, with detailed color modeling in the floral forms and confident outlining throughout, consistent with the high technical standard of Columbia Plateau beadwork from this period. Warm Springs Reservation encompasses Sahaptin, Paiute, and other Plateau peoples whose beading traditions share visual vocabularies while maintaining individual community character. From a private California collection acquired at the Marin show in 2019.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
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